Some of the myths people share about Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) have a chilling effect. Those who hear and believe the misinformation about these important benefits may fail to claim benefits that they qualify to receive.
In that regard, perhaps the most insidious urban legend about SSDI benefits is the idea that everyone who applies gets denied at first. Some people will tell you in complete earnestness that there is no point in applying at all because everyone who applies walks away empty-handed.
However, some people do get benefits either because their condition is clearly severe enough to qualify or because they are tenacious enough to appeal when they don’t get benefits initially. How often do applicants have to appeal because they don’t receive SSDI benefits?
Appeals are relatively common
While it is untrue to claim that every applicant faces rejection, it would be true to say that many applicants who believe they should qualify for benefits do not qualify in the end. Still, a significant portion of people who applied do get benefits at first, and more people receive benefits if they appeal the initial decision about their claim.
Looking at the 10-year average approval rate between 2010 and 2019 makes it clear that patience is key for a significant number of applicants. Only 21% of those seeking SSDI benefits get approved immediately after applying. Many others must appeal to get benefits.
Roughly 2% of applicants get benefits through a reconsideration, and another 8% secure benefits after a hearing with an administrative law judge. Approximately 67% or two-thirds of applicants will not receive benefits.
How can this information help you?
Instead of letting someone else’s warning about how no one gets approved prevent you from applying for SSDI, you can move forward with your application. After all, you won’t get benefits at all if you never ask for them.
When you know how many people don’t receive benefits initially, you may be more careful with your own paperwork or may take more time gathering medical documentation to improve your chances of being among the minority of people who get the benefits they request. You may also have the motivation necessary to appeal if you aren’t successful initially.
Learning more about SSDI benefits can help those who think they may qualify.