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, a significant portion of disability claims are denied at the initial application stage. Many applicants receive a denial letter on their first attempt.

The denial rate has remained consistently high over the past decade. Historical data shows that denial rates have remained consistently high over time. 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, a large share of social security disability claims are denied. 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 both SSDI and SSI applications, technical denials represent a meaningful portion of initial rejections.

Medical denials represent another major category. Among applications that pass technical requirements and undergo medical review, approval outcomes may differ between SSDI and SSI claims. 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 often results in continued denials, though some claims do proceed to the next level of review. However, the hearing level before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) provides much better odds.

t the hearing stage, approval outcomes may improve compared to earlier stages of the process. 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 vary by location due to differences in local administration.

Administrative Law Judge approval outcomes vary significantly depending on the assigned judge and location. 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
• 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. Representation may assist claimants with evidence preparation and procedural requirements, particularly during later stages of the process.

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.