The Social Security Administration recently released information documenting the status of all cases that were decided in fiscal year 2009. The decisions were for Disability cases only, and included both Title II – Social Security Disability, and Title XVI- Supplemental Security Disability (SSI) cases.

The information released revealed that at the Initial level (37% of the people who applied for Social Security Disability benefits or SSI benefits) were approved and 63% denied.

At the second stage, the Reconsideration Stage, 14% of the people who appealed their denial of Social Security Disability benefits or SSI benefits were approved, 86% denied.

At the third stage, the Hearing with an Administrative Law Judge stage, 63% of the people who appealed their denial of Social Security Disability benefits or SSI benefits were approved.

If a claimant gets turned down at the Hearing stage, the chances of getting approved when appealing to the Appeals Council, or Federal Court decline significantly. Only 2% of the people who appealed their disability cases to the Appeals Council were approved outright, with 22% of the cases being sent back to a Judge for a new hearing. For those who appealed an Appeals Council denial to Federal Court, only 4% were approved outright, with 48% of the cases being sent back to a Judge for a new hearing.

Be aware that your best chance of being approved at any stage is with representation by an attorney who is familiar with Social Security Disability law. Please give us a call immediately if you are turned down for either Social Security Disability benefits or SSI benefits. Remember that you have a limited time period within which you must appeal the decision. We would be happy to meet with you and help you obtain these important benefits.