The Social Security Administration (SSA) has a reputation for rejecting most applicants. People applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits often feel anxious because they have already heard that SSA rejects many qualified applicants. For many applicants, an attempt to secure benefits results in a rejection.
Those who believe they qualify for benefits and need them to cover their bills have two options after an unsuccessful application. They can either appeal the decision made by the SSA or they can reapply. Some people jump to the conclusion that reapplying is the best option because it is likely faster than appealing an unfavorable decision. However, a look at the application outcome statistics provided by the SSA shows that appealing is generally a worthwhile undertaking.
Many appeals are successful
According to a review of the SSDI application submitted between 2010 and 2019, roughly 21% of people receive approval for benefits when they initially apply. That is just over one in five applicants. A significant percentage of those denied benefits decide to appeal. They believe that they can correct issues with their application and convince the SSA that they qualify.
The appeals process is responsible for approximately a third of all SSDI approvals. Another 2% of applicants may obtain benefits during the reconsideration stage of an appeal. Approximately 8% of the overall applicants receive their benefits after a hearing in front of an administrative law judge. Overall, 10% of the people who seek SSDI benefits obtain their benefits during the appeals process. They represent approximately a third of the people approved overall.
Appealing is beneficial not just because it has a decent chance of success but also because of backdated benefits. Someone who succeeds when they appeal can receive a lump-sum payment for backdated benefits beginning when they first became eligible after applying. Those who reapply lose the option of securing backdated benefits based on when they initially applied. For many SSDI applicants preparing to live on limited income, those backdated benefits can be of the utmost importance.
While the SSDI appeals process may seem intimidating, many people prevail with the right support. Getting help when initially applying or after a denied application can make a major difference for an adult with a disabling medical condition.