What Percentage of Social Security Disability Claims Are Denied?

Current Statistics: What Percentage of Social Security Disability Claims Are Denied

What percentage of social security disability claims are denied is a critical question for anyone considering applying for benefits. According to the most recent 2024 data from the Social Security Administration, 62% of disability claims are denied at the initial application stage. This means approximately 6 out of every 10 people who apply for Social Security disability benefits will receive a denial letter on their first attempt.

The denial rate has remained consistently high over the past decade. Historical data shows that what percentage of social security disability claims are denied has averaged between 62% and 67% annually. These statistics include both Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) applications.

Understanding Denial: What Percentage of Social Security Disability Claims Are Denied by Stage

The disability application process involves multiple stages, each with different approval rates. At the initial application level, what percentage of social security disability claims are denied reaches 62%. However, many applicants don’t realize that denial rates vary significantly depending on the reason for rejection.

Technical denials account for a substantial portion of initial rejections. These occur when applicants don’t meet basic eligibility requirements, such as insufficient work credits or continuing to earn too much income. The Social Security Administration’s disability evaluation process outlines these technical requirements clearly. For SSDI applications, 39% receive technical denials, while SSI applications see 20% technical denials.

Medical denials represent another major category. Among applications that pass the technical requirements and undergo medical review, the approval rate improves to approximately 48% for SSDI and 44% for SSI. This demonstrates that understanding what percentage of social security disability claims are denied requires examining different types of denials separately.

The Appeals Process Changes Everything

What percentage of social security disability claims are denied becomes less discouraging when considering the full appeals process. The reconsideration stage, which is the first level of appeal, shows an 84% denial rate with only 16% approval. However, the hearing level before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) provides much better odds.

At the hearing stage, 51% of cases are approved, representing a dramatic improvement from initial application denial rates. This means that understanding what percentage of social security disability claims are denied at each level helps applicants make informed decisions about pursuing appeals.

Geographic Variations in Denial Rates

What percentage of social security disability claims are denied also varies by location. While SSDI and SSI are federal programs, approval rates differ significantly by state due to local administration. State approval rates range from as low as 30% in some areas to over 50% in others.

Administrative Law Judge approval rates show even greater variation, ranging from 22% in Hawaii to 54% in New Mexico. These geographic disparities mean that what percentage of social security disability claims are denied depends partly on where applicants live and which judge reviews their case.

Common Factors: What Percentage of Social Security Disability Claims Are Denied Due to Specific Issues

Several factors contribute to why such a high percentage of social security disability claims are denied initially:

• Insufficient medical evidence represents the leading cause of medical denials
• Failure to follow prescribed treatment without valid reasons
• Earning above substantial gainful activity limits ($1,620 monthly in 2025)
• Incomplete application materials or missing documentation
• Gaps in medical care that prevent proper disability assessment

Understanding these common pitfalls helps explain what percentage of social security disability claims are denied and provides actionable strategies for improvement.

Expert Strategies: What Percentage of Social Security Disability Claims Are Denied Can Be Reduced

While what percentage of social security disability claims are denied remains high at the initial level, working with experienced disability attorneys significantly improves approval odds. Statistics show that represented claimants have substantially higher success rates, particularly at the hearing level where approval rates more than triple compared to reconsideration.

Professional representation helps ensure applications include comprehensive medical evidence, proper documentation, and strategic positioning for each stage of the process. This support directly impacts what percentage of social security disability claims are denied for preventable reasons.

Next Steps Now: What Percentage of Social Security Disability Claims Are Denied Shouldn’t Discourage You

Don’t let statistics about what percentage of social security disability claims are denied prevent you from pursuing benefits you deserve. With proper preparation and professional guidance, many initially denied claims eventually receive approval through the appeals process. Contact our experienced disability team today for a free consultation to discuss your specific situation and develop a winning strategy.