Disability Qualification Resource Hub
Browse our resource hub to learn everything you need to know about disability qualification.
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In 2024, you could be eligible for up to $3,822/month in SSDI benefits.
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COLA 2024 is 3.2%
As we approach 2024, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) recipients must understand the expected changes in their benefits. The anticipated 2024 COLA (Cost-of-Living Adjustment) increase for...
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If your initial Social Security Disability claim has been denied, the next step is usually a disability hearing. This hearing is a vital part of the appeals process, and being well-prepared can...
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Waiting for a Social Security Disability Appeal
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Unraveling the Formula for Family Maximum Benefit
The Family Maximum Benefit is a cap on the total monthly Social Security benefits that can be paid to a worker’s family. The cap includes benefits paid to the worker, their spouse, children, and in some cases, their dependent parents.
Understanding Survivor Benefits
Explore our comprehensive guide to understanding Social Security Survivor Benefits in 2023.
Navigating the Social Security Disability Appeals Process in 2024
Navigate the Social Security Disability Appeals Process confidently with our updated 2023 guide, covering online appeals, required forms, and legal support to protect your rights.
Do I Qualify for Social Security Disability?
Browse our SSDI resource library to find clear answers and determine if you qualify for up to $3,822/month in SSD benefits.
Understanding Social Security Disability
Understanding the Medical Requirements for Social Security Disability Benefits
January 5, 2024
Understanding the Rules and Requirements for Social Security Disability Cases
October 24, 2023
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do I qualify for Social Security disability benefits?
In order to qualify for SSD benefits, you must satisfy both a non-medical and a medical test.
In order to satisfy the non-medical test, you need to have worked in a covered job long enough to accumulate enough work credits.
The second test, the medical test, requires you to have a condition(s) that satisfies the Social Security Administration’s (“SSA”) definition of disability and has lasted or is expected to last at least 12 consecutive months.
Generally speaking, this program will provide you with a monthly benefit in the event that you become unable to work.
What are my chances of winning a disability claim?
The response is always, “It depends.” The table linked here shows the average chance of winning a disability claim at each level of the process.
What are my chances of winning a disability appeal?
There are two types of disability appeals: Appeals Council Repeal and Federal Appeal
Appeals Council Repeal
Claimants are awarded approximately 1% of the time at this level.
An additional 9% of claimants have their case remanded (sent back) to the original ALJ who made the hearing level denial. These remands may be for further development on a particular issue or to correct a procedural error made in the hearing level decision. Generally speaking, judges do not like to have another judge tell them that they made a mistake. Hearing level ALJs will often just re-deny appeals council remands. As a result, having your claim remanded is not always the best result. The goal at this level is often to get denied, which allows a claimant to appeal in federal court.
Federal Appeal
At this level, you are suing the Social Security Administration in Federal Court. The odds of winning at this level are approximately 2%, which is hardly better than at the Appeals Council. Federal judges; however, remand (send back) approximately half of these claims for a further evaluation of issues that were improperly considered at the prior hearing.