The average adult will never need to know much about Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits even though they make contributions from their paycheck to this program every week. The only time they will need to communicate with the Social Security Administration (SSA) will be when they retire and want benefits related to the end of their careers.
However, some workers will end up with such major medical issues before they reach retirement age that they will require SSDI benefits because they have no longer have any other way of supporting themselves. SSDI benefits can help people pay their expenses when they can no longer work but are not yet old enough to qualify for Social Security retirement benefits.
It is commonly understood that it is nearly impossible to get SSDI benefits on one’s first application attempt, regardless of how seriously someone may need that support. How many applicants who request SSDI end up appealing?
Appeals are common and often worthwhile
Some people don’t understand the rules that govern Social Security benefits before applying. For example, people might apply for SSDI benefits for a child who has never had a job. Such scenarios might make an individual or their family members eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) but not necessarily SDDI. To get SSDI, workers typically need to have a condition that prevents them from doing any kind of work at all and that will last a year or longer. Additionally, they need to have enough of a work history to have sufficient credit to get full benefits. Those that do apply need to prepare themselves for the possibility of needing to file an appeal.
The SSA typically rejects the majority of applicants based on the data they report to the public. Every year, based on data from 2010 to 2019, an average of only 21% of applicants will get benefits initially when they apply. However, after the appeals process, the final approval rate increases to 31%. A full 10% of applicants get their benefits during an appeal, which absolutely makes appealing a worthwhile Endeavor for those denied benefits initially.
Additionally, approval during an appeal can lead to backdated benefits that can lead to lump-sum payments, which can make a big difference for someone struggling financially after months of being unable to work and waiting for the outcome of their appeal. Mistakes during the appeals process can increase how long it takes to complete and diminish someone’s likelihood of success.
Learning more about what is necessary for approval can make a big difference for those who need SSDI benefits after an injury or diagnosis. Seeking legal guidance as proactively as possible is usually a good idea, as a result.