The Social Security Administration is responsible for administering two primary disability programs providing financial assistance to people suffering long-term impairments that prevent them from engaging in what the government calls “substantial gainful activities.”
Sackett Law has been devoted to helping disabled Georgians and others throughout the country get the disability benefits to which they are entitled for years. We’ve successfully guided thousands of deserving disabled individuals through the benefits claims process. Nothing is more rewarding than learning that our client has their disability claims approved because of our help.
If you are thinking about filing a disability claim with the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program, contact us for the information you need and for assistance filing an expertly prepared and complete disability claim.
How the Approval Rankings Work
The statistics detailing which states have approved SSDI and SSI claims at the highest rate in 2023 is not available yet, but the figures are complete through 2022. Based on the 2022 data, we can outline which states are most likely to grant disability claims this year if they follow last year’s pattern, how approval rates for SSDI and SSI can vary by state and factors that may influence these rates. This information can give you a foundation for understanding the dynamics involved.
Variations in Approval Rates for SSDI and SSI by State
Approval rates for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) can vary significantly from one state to another. These variations are influenced by a range of factors, including the local economy, demographics, and the stringency of the application review process.
The list of state rankings for the highest and lowest rates of disability claim approval is broken into three sections. The reason is that the disability approval process has three stages, each of which has a different rate of approval. The approval rate for initial claims, the rate of approval upon reconsideration, and the rate at which ALJ hearings led to approval are all shown separately.
Initial Application Approval Rates for SSDI and SSI Claims
The five states with the highest rate of approving initial disability claims are the following:
The five states (and territories) with the lowest rate of approval of SSDI and SSI claims are these:
Disability Claims Approval Rates Upon Reconsideration
During the reconsideration of the initial denial stage, these states approved claims at the highest rates:
- New Hampshire (26%)
- Massachusetts (23%)
- Montana (22%)
- Wisconsin (21%)
- Maine (20%)
These states were the least likely to approve disability claims during reconsideration of initial denial:
- Kentucky (11%)
- Indiana (11%)
- Colorado (11%)
- Utah (11%)
- Wyoming (11%)
Approval After ALJ Hearing
Finally, for cases in which the initial denial was upheld during reconsideration and then appealed for a full hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ), these states had the highest approval rates:
- Hawaii (79%)
- Puerto Rico (65%)
- North Carolina (62%)
- Oklahoma (62%)
- Delaware (61%)
And the states with the lowest rate of approval of disability claims after an ALJ hearing are the following:
- Kansas (42%)
- New Mexico (46%)
- Colorado (47%)
- Utah (47%)
- Missouri (47%)
Factors Influencing Approval Rates:
- Economic Conditions: States with stronger economies and lower unemployment rates may have lower approval rates, as there may be more job opportunities available for individuals with disabilities.
- Demographics: The age, education level, and overall health of a state’s population can influence approval rates. States with older populations or higher rates of chronic illnesses may see higher approval rates.
- Stringency of the Application Process: Some states may have more rigorous application processes, resulting in lower approval rates. Stringent requirements may make it more challenging for individuals to qualify for SSDI and SSI.
- Access to Healthcare: States with better access to healthcare services may have higher approval rates, as individuals can more easily obtain medical documentation to support their disability claims.
- Awareness and Education: Public awareness and education about disability benefits and the application process can also play a role. States with more robust outreach and education efforts may have higher approval rates.
- Quality Legal Representation: The presence of qualified disability lawyers in the state can impact approval rates. States with a higher prevalence of legal aid organizations or attorneys specializing in disability cases may see higher approval rates.
An Experienced Disability Law Attorney Can Make a Difference
Approval of your disability claim can certainly be influenced by the quality and organization of your disability claim package as well as the vigor and knowledge with which your lawyer interacts with the Social Security Administration.
Disability law is a complex specialty of legal practice that requires years of experience and training to provide the highest level of legal representation to each client.
An inexperienced lawyer who represents a disability claimant through the SSDI or SSI process can actually do more harm than good. Did they include the full medical evidence package? Did they identify the correct basis for the claim, and provide the compelling legal arguments necessary to push the decision over the hill and to win approval for the claimant?
You should only work with a disability lawyer who ONLY practices disability law. You can trust Sackett and Associates to take care of your disability claim with the highest level of professionalism.
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