ODDS OF WINNING A DISABILITY CLAIM

What are your odds of winning a Social Security disability claim? Pretty good if you stick it out through the appeals.

Social Security disability claims begin with a very low chance of approval. Then, as the progress through the appeals system, the chance of an award gradually improve. Here are the average award rate for each level:

APPLICATION RECONSIDERATION HEARING

28 Percent 18 Percent 54 Percent

The hearing is the 3rd attempt to get your claim approved. And it represents by far your best chance.

If your application is denied, it is even more likely to be denied again at "Reconsideration." Getting the case before a US Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) is then the most important thing that can done.

The claimant and his/her attorney will meet with the ALJ and present oral testimony and additional medical evidence. The judge will render a new decision without being bound by any previous Social Security decisions. Approximately one-half of ALJ hearing decisions are favorable.

Never go before an Administrative Law Judge alone. Doing so will most likely postpone your hearing. The judge will usually counsel claimants to "get a lawyer and come back for a later hearing." This may postpone the hearing 3 or 4 months or more.