Denied Social Security Disability?
Get the Benefits You've Earned

National Overview

How Social Security Disability Insurance Works

SSDI is a federal program administered by the Social Security Administration, and the medical and work-history eligibility rules are the same no matter where you live. What varies by state is less obvious: initial disability determinations are actually made by state-level Disability Determination Services (DDS) offices under contract with SSA, and the ALJ hearing offices that hear appeals are also regional. That means real approval-rate variation exists between states, even though the underlying federal rules are identical.

Most first-time applicants are denied. National initial-denial rates commonly run in the 60-70% range, which is why the appeals process exists and why so many ultimately-approved claimants only win at the hearing stage, not the initial application.

The Appeals Process

• Reconsideration, a fresh review of your initial denial by a different examiner
• ALJ Hearing, an in-person or video hearing before an Administrative Law Judge; this is where approval odds typically improve most, especially with representation
• Appeals Council, reviews whether the ALJ made a legal error
• Federal Court, the final level of appeal, rarely reached

Each stage has strict filing deadlines (commonly 60 days from the date of a denial notice), missing one can mean starting the entire process over.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions: Social Security Disability

• Why was my SSDI claim denied?
  The most common reasons are insufficient medical evidence, earning above the substantial gainful activity limit, failure to follow prescribed treatment, or a determination that you can still perform some type of work. Many denials at the initial stage are overturned on appeal, especially at an ALJ hearing.
• How long does the SSDI process take?
  Initial applications commonly take 3-6 months for a decision. If you're denied and appeal to the hearing level, the wait for an ALJ hearing can add a year or more depending on the backlog at your local hearing office, timelines vary significantly by region.
• Do I need a lawyer or advocate for SSDI?
  You're not required to have one, but approval rates are meaningfully higher for represented claimants, particularly at the hearing stage. Most SSDI representatives work on contingency under a fee arrangement capped and regulated by SSA, no fee unless you win.
• Can I work while applying for SSDI?
  Limited work may be possible, but earning above the SSA's substantial gainful activity threshold in a given month generally disqualifies you from that month's benefits and can undermine your claim that you're unable to work. An advocate can help you understand the current threshold and how it applies to your situation.
• What's the difference between SSDI and SSI?
  SSDI is based on your work history and the Social Security taxes you've paid; SSI is a needs-based program for people with limited income and resources, regardless of work history. Some people qualify for both simultaneously.