What is the Status of My Claim and What is My Chance of Getting Approved for Social Security Disability Benefits? Stages and Approval Rates in Social Security Disability Application Process

Many Social Security Disability benefits applicants are likely familiar with the long delays in the Social Security Disability applications process. Indeed, it is an unfortunate fact that Social Security Disability applicants from across the country must wait months – and sometimes even longer – to get a decision regarding their Social Security Disability eligibility from the Social Security Administration. Worse still, many Social Security Disability applicant initial claims are denied at the outset, and Social Security Disability applicants must make appeals to the Social Security Administration if they wish to continue pursuing their claim for much needed Social Security Disability benefits. But what are the stages of the Social Security Disability benefits applicants process, and what is the likelihood that a Social Security Disability applicant will be approved at each stage? To help Social Security Disability benefits applicants better understand the challenging and long Social Security Disability applications process, we answer those questions in this short article.

The Initial Applications Stage

Many Social Security Disability benefits applicants across the country know the initial applications stage of the Social Security Disability benefits applications process well. At the initial stage, applicants submit their paperwork and documentation to the Social Security Administration for the Administration’s “first glance” at their claim. According to news reports, less than half, that is 42% of claims are approved at the initial applications stage. As such, more than half of initial Social Security Disability Benefits applicants must move on to the next stage of the process.

The Reconsideration Stage

At the reconsideration stage, the same Social Security Administration office that reviewed the applicant’s initial claim will review the claim again, with additional documentation that the applicant submits, to see if they made the wrong decision, and, in fact, benefits should be granted. At this stage of the process, only 17% of claims are granted on reconsideration.

The Social Security Disability Hearing Stage

At the Social Security Disability hearing stage, an administrative law judge conducts a hearing, typically including a Vocational Expert, witnesses, and the applicant and their counsel, to see if Social Security Disability benefits should be granted. At the hearing stage, 45% of Social Security Disability claims are ultimately approved. Importantly, however, each administrative law judge has their own approval rate, so often who the judge is will matter significantly when it comes to a Social Security Disability applicant’s chance of success. In addition, working with a skilled and experienced Social Security Disability lawyer can increase an applicant’s chances of getting benefits due to them.

If you are seeking Social Security Disability benefits and you need legal help, contact the experienced Social Security Disability lawyers at Nationwide Disability Law. The experienced Social Security Disability lawyers at Nationwide Disability Law are here to help Social Security Disability applicants get benefits due to them. Do not hesitate to speak to a lawyer about your case today. Contact Nationwide Disability Law and speak to a lawyer about your case now.

Source:

wtvr.com/news/local-news/social-security-disability-claims-update-sept-10-2024