Many professionals don’t consider applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits until they are in an emergency scenario. By the time they realize they need benefits, they may have been out of work for months. They may have rapidly mounting uncovered expenses.
Receiving a rejection notice in the mail is enough to make anyone panic. They may not have any alternate means of supporting themselves and their family members while they are unable to work. Some people give up because they assume that a rejection is the final decision on the matter.
Contrary to what people sometimes tell themselves, it is possible to appeal denied SSDI benefits. In fact, pursuing an appeal can be the best option available to those who cannot work but do not receive prompt approval for SSDI. The two reasons below could potentially serve as motivation for people to initiate the potentially lengthy SSDI appeals process.
The chances of success
Only a small percentage of SSDI applications are successful initially. According to data provided by the Social Security Administration (SSA), the initial approval rate between 2010 and 2019 was just 21% on average each year.
However, approximately 10% of applicants received benefits during the appeals process. People averaged a 2% success rate during the reconsideration stage of appeals.
Another 8% of applicants got benefits after a hearing in front of an administrative law judge. Considering that roughly a third of applicants get benefits through appeals, requesting a review of a denied application can be a savvy decision.
The possibility of backdated benefits
If there were issues with the paperwork or insufficient medical evidence, reapplying might seem easier than appealing. However, reapplying may deny people the opportunity to secure back pay.
They may be eligible for a lump-sum payment of benefits if they prevail during the appeals process. The SSA may pay them for the entire amount of benefits they could have earned if the SSA had approved them when they initially applied.
Reviewing the SSDI benefits application and other details can help people prepare for the SSDI appeals process. With the advocacy of a lawyer familiar with the law and the appeals process, applicants may increase their chances of obtaining the SSDI benefits they need.