Are you prepared for the complexities of a Social Security Disability appeal? With only 39% of initial claims approved, many people face frustration and uncertainty. But here’s the good news: with the right legal strategy, your odds can improve dramatically at hearings or even in federal court, where approval rates jump to 61%. Want to know how you can increase your chances of winning? Watch this video, be prepared to take the next step, and make your case count.
Applying for Social Security Disability benefits can be complicated and tiring, and one of the most common questions people ask is, “What are my chances of winning?” Understanding the approval rates at each level can help set realistic expectations and guide your approach.
Understanding Social Security’s published statistics. The Social Security Administration publishes an annual “waterfall chart” that breaks down the percentages of applicants awarded benefits at different stages:
- Initial Application: The SSA states that 39% of applicants are approved at this stage.
- Reconsideration Level: Approval rates drop to 15% upon reconsideration.
- Hearing Level: According to the SSA, 45% of cases are approved during a hearing.
- Appeals Council: Only 13% of cases get reversed or remanded for a new hearing.
- Federal Court: Here, 61% of applicants either win a remand or their case outright.
A closer look at these numbers. While these statistics provide a general overview, they might not tell the whole story. At the initial application stage, even individuals who are disabled, terminally ill, or have a compassionate allowance may find the approval rate feels more like luck than certainty. The reconsideration level isn’t necessarily a proper reconsideration of your case; it’s more about ensuring no mistakes were made in the initial denial.
“Initial approval rates can be as low as 15% to 20%, especially without expert guidance.”
The impact of expert legal representation. Our firm strategically selects cases where we genuinely believe we can make a difference. If someone is still working or doesn’t have a qualifying disability, we advise them accordingly.
- Higher Success Rates at Hearings: By choosing the cases we represent carefully, our approval rates at hearings are in the high 70s to 80s.
- Success at Appeals and Federal Court: We proceed to federal court only with solid evidence, such as doctor statements or clear proof of disability. This meticulous approach significantly boosts our success rates above the average.
The judge’s influence on your case. Did you know the judge assigned to your case can significantly influence the outcome? Approval rates among judges can vary dramatically—from as low as 20% to as high as 80%. For insights on specific judges, you can visit disabilityjudges.org.
Managing the Social Security Disability process can be complex, but understanding the nuances can improve your chances. With the proper guidance and persistence, your likelihood of approval can be significantly higher than the averages suggest.
If you have questions or need assistance with your Social Security Disability case, please contact us at The Good Law Group, call us at (800) 419-7606, or email info@TheGoodLawGroup.com. We’re dedicated to helping you handle this complex process and improve your chances of a successful outcome.
