CAN YOU GET SSDI in 2025?

When you file a new Social Security disability claim, the following factors will be considered in the decision making process:

• Age

• Education

• Past Work experience

• RFC - Residual Functional Capacity*

  • RFC means the most you are still able to do in terms of work activities: standing/walking, sitting, bending, lifting/carrying,reaching, kneeling, etc.

Age: Claimants age 50+ have an advantage in Social Security rules.

Education: The more education you have, the more job opportunities may exist for you.

Past Work Experience: What was the exertion level of your past work (last 5 years before applying)? Did you learn transferable skills in your past work?

Residual Functional Capacity: What types of jobs are you still able to do? Are you restricted to sedentary or light work? If so, this gives you an advantage with Social Security.

Your Odds: According to national averages, Social Security will approve only 22 percent of new disability applications. The rest will need to enter the appeals process which will take an average of 23 months--but has much better odds!

If you look at the national averages, most disability claims have a poor chance of success in the early application level but a moderate chance of success when they come before an Administrative Law Judge for a hearing. The average national approval rate at the hearing level is around 51 percent, but depends on many factors. In Alabama the average award rate at the hearing level is around 59 percent. So, persistence pays. If denied, get into the appeals process right away; that's where your best chance lies. And stay with the appeal process through the Hearing process.

If you have a severe impairment that will last (or has lasted) for at least 12 straight months, you have a fair chance of getting SSDI benefits. However, Social Security purposefully makes the process long, complicated and rigorous. It isn't meant to be quick or easy, especially if you don't have a terminal or catastrophic illness.

In the appeal process, it may work to your advantage to have an experienced disability advocate or lawyer working with you. The Government Accountability Office (GAO) did a study that finds you are 3 times more likely to be approved if you use an attorney or experienced advocate.

So, check out the rules governing Social Security disability eligibility. Get a FREE consultation from an advocate/attorney. If you feel you meet the requirements, and are willing to stay the course, file for SSDI benefits. Don't be discouraged by the first two denials. Hang in until you get before a judge for a hearing, where you odds of success are better than 50/50.

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The Forsythe Firm in Huntsville, AL specializes in Social Security disability appeals and hearings. We win a high percentage of denied claims on appeal. Get a personal, experienced, highly qualified advocate to work with you at no upfront cost and NEVER a fee unless you win your case and receive back pay (past due) benefits. Free consultations by calling

(256) 799-0297