Frequently, if Social Security approves your disability claim, you will receive back pay. Back pay refers to the payments for the months between your application date and your approval date. Social Security calls your approval date your onset date. Sometimes, back pay can go back further than the filing date.
SSDI vs. SSI
Social Security offers two types of disability benefits. To qualify for disability insurance benefits (SSDI), you must have worked a certain number of years. To qualify for SSI, you must meet certain financial requirements.
Many times, you can qualify to apply for both types of benefits. For example, you worked for many years. However, once you stopped working, you no longer have an income. You now rely on food stamps and help from family members. Since you paid into Social Security, you can file for SSDI. Additionally, you meet the financial requirements for SSI because you don’t have any income or assets.
Program
Who It’s For
Key Back Pay Rules
SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance)
People who’ve worked and paid Social Security taxes
May include up to 12 months of retroactive pay before the application date, after the five-month waiting period.
SSI (Supplemental Security Income)
People with limited income and resources
No retroactive pay before your application date; benefits can start the month after you file.
SSDI back pay
Under Social Security disability insurance benefits (SSDI), you can receive benefits back to the application date. However, you can also qualify to receive retroactive benefits. Retroactive benefits are paid for the months between when you became disabled and when you applied for benefits. Additionally, retroactive benefits can go back one year before the application filing date.
Several key factors determine the amount of back pay you may receive:
Disability Onset Date: The date your disability began (the SSA calls this your established onset date or EOD).
Application Date: The date you filed your disability claim.
Approval Date: The date your claim was approved.
Mandatory Waiting Period: A five-month period after your disability begins when benefits are not yet payable.
If your approval takes longer than those five months, which is common, the SSA may owe you SSDI back pay for the additional time you waited.
SSDI back pay and the 5 month waiting period
Social Security does not pay back pay for the first five months after your disability began. You start receiving benefits at the beginning of the sixth month. Typically, the 5 month wait period can be much shorter than the time it takes for Social Security to approve your application.
When you file for disability benefits, you tell Social Security when you became disabled. Social Security refers to this date as your alleged onset date. Generally, your onset date should be the date you stopped working. It can also be the date of an injury or illness. When Social Security finds you disabled, this date becomes your established onset date (EOD). Your EOD also determines when your back pay starts.
When Social Security finds a different onset date
Sometimes, your EOD doesn’t match your alleged onset date. This happens when Social Security finds that your disability began on a different date than what you put on your application. Common reasons Social Security finds a different EOD include:
A change in age categories – there are more favorable rules for disability the older you are. Specifically, they are more favorable for people over the age of 50. Therefore, Social Security can find you disabled once you reach the older age category.
Medical records and treatment – Social Security relies on medical records to decide if you qualify for disability benefits. So if your treatment started later, your condition worsened over time or if something new happened, Social Security can find you disabled at a later date based on your medical records.
How does Social Security pay your back pay?
The SSA pays your SSDI back pay in lump sums. However, Social Security releases your back pay in different ways for SSDI and SSI. For SSDI, Social Security sends you one lump sum payment. This includes all of your SSDI back pay and retroactive benefits. Unlike SSDI, Social Security sends your SSI back pay in installments. They split these installments into three payments. Social Security sends these installments six months apart. Social Security does this because you cannot have more than $2000 at any time in order to receive your current monthly SSI payment.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far back can SSDI back pay go? SSDI can include up to 12 months of retroactive pay before your application date if you were disabled during that time and met all eligibility requirements.
How long does it take to receive back pay after approval? Payment times vary. Many recipients receive their lump sum within a few months of approval, but it can take longer if your case involves both SSDI and SSI.
Disability Help Group Is Here For You
Back pay can make a big difference when you’ve been waiting months or even years for your disability benefits. If you’re unsure how much you might receive or need help calculating your potential back pay, Disability Help Group can assist. We’ll review your timeline, determine your earliest possible benefit date, and make sure your case is handled correctly from start to finish. CLICK HERE to get started, or call us at 800-800-3332
How Long Does it Take to Get Social Security Disability Benefits?
According to the Social Security Administration (SSA), the average processing time for a new Social Security Disability (SSDI) application is three to six months. But, the average processing time varies from state to state. And, that estimate can be a bit misleading. That’s the average time SSA says you should expect to wait for an initial determination. But, a significant percentage of applications are denied at this stage. Working your way through the process of reconsideration and appeals can take much longer.
Fortunately, there are some things you can do to speed up the initial application process and increase your chances of being approved earlier in the process.
Expediting Your SSDI Application
SSA doesn’t offer an expedited process for disability benefits, but you can take steps to make the process as efficient as possible. First, SSA says you can cut your processing time in half if you apply online.
Ensuring that your SSDI application is complete, you’ve provided all necessary documentation, and your medical providers promptly share necessary information can also help move the process forward. A Social Security Disability Benefits Advocate can be your best source of assistance in putting together a clear and complete application to give you the best chance of approval.
The Social Security Administration does have limited “Compassionate Allowances” and “Quick Disability Determinations” programs for certain severe conditions:
Compassionate Allowances (CAL)
The SSA identifies claims where the applicant’s disease or condition clearly meets Social Security’s statutory standard for disability. The Compassionate Allowances program allows Social Security to target the most obviously disabled individuals for allowances based on objective medical information that can be obtained quickly. Compassionate Allowances reduce wait time to reach a disability determination for individuals with the most serious disabilities.
Conditions that qualify for Compassionate Allowances include certain cancers, adult brain disorders, and rare disorders affecting children. There are currently over 200 conditions in the Compassionate Allowances program.
Quick Disability Determinations (QDD)
The Quick Disability Determinations (QDD) process uses a computer-based predictive model to identify claims where a favorable disability determination is highly likely and where evidence is readily available. This allows SSA to make these decisions faster while maintaining accuracy.
Ways to Speed Up Your Application Process
Apply online – Online applications can be processed more quickly
Provide complete information – Include all requested information on your application
Submit medical evidence promptly – Provide names, addresses, and phone numbers of all doctors, hospitals, and clinics that have treated you
Respond quickly to SSA requests – If SSA contacts you for additional information, respond as soon as possible
Report changes – Inform SSA immediately if your condition worsens or if you see new doctors
What if the Initial SSDI Application is Denied?
If your initial SSDI application is denied, the next step in most states is a request for reconsideration. This step is usually quicker than the initial application, but the success rate is low. The highest rate of approval occurs at the next stage: a hearing before an administrative law judge (ALJ). However, it can take more than a year to get a hearing before an ALJ, and then several months to receive your determination. Those who are denied at this stage may require an additional step, or even two, to complete the process.
In short, a claim for Social Security disability benefits (SSDI) may be approved in just a few months, and you may begin receiving benefits as soon as six months after you become disabled. But most SSDI application claims are denied in the initial rounds, meaning that many who apply for disability benefits don’t start receiving benefits for two years or more. If you disagree with the initial determination by the SSA, you have the right to appeal.
The Four Levels of Appeal
Reconsideration – A complete review of your claim by someone who did not take part in the first determination. You generally have 60 days from the date you receive the notice of the decision to ask for a reconsideration.
Hearing by an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) – If you disagree with the reconsideration decision, you may request a hearing before an ALJ. The ALJ will review your case and consider any new evidence. You generally have 60 days from the date you receive the reconsideration notice to request a hearing.
Review by the Appeals Council – If you disagree with the ALJ’s decision, you may request a review by Social Security’s Appeals Council. The Appeals Council looks at all requests for review, but it may deny a request if it believes the ALJ’s decision was correct. You generally have 60 days to request Appeals Council review.
Federal Court Review – If you disagree with the Appeals Council’s decision or if the Appeals Council decides not to review your case, you may file a lawsuit in a federal district court. You generally have 60 days to file a civil suit after you receive notice of the Appeals Council’s action.
Current Processing Times for Appeals
The average wait time for a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge has historically ranged from 12 to 18 months or more, depending on the hearing office location and current case backlog. After the hearing, it typically takes several additional months to receive a written decision.
The SSA has been working to reduce wait times through various initiatives including:
Hiring additional Administrative Law Judges
Implementing technology improvements
Expanding video hearing capabilities
Streamlining case processing procedures
A Social Security Disability Advocate Can Help
Your best chance of receiving Social Security disability benefits (SSDI) as quickly as possible is to ensure that you avoid missteps in the process, don’t miss any appeal deadlines, and provide complete documentation to the SSA in a format that is easy to work with.
The process can be daunting. At Disability Help Group, we understand the process, and we understand the stress you’re under and how important it is for you to receive your disability benefits. To learn more about how we can help, call (800) 800-2009 or contact us right now.
A disability advocate can help you by:
Ensuring your initial SSDI application is complete and includes all necessary medical evidence
Helping you obtain supporting documentation from your doctors
Preparing you for consultative examinations
Representing you at your ALJ hearing
Presenting your case effectively with proper legal and medical arguments
Meeting all critical deadlines throughout the appeals process
Communicating with SSA on your behalf
Frequently Asked Questions About SSDI Processing Times
Can I work while my SSDI claim is being processed? Working while your claim is pending can be complicated. If you earn more than the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) amount ($1,550/month for non-blind individuals in 2025), it may affect your eligibility. Consult with a disability advocate before making employment decisions during the application process.
What happens if my condition worsens while waiting for a decision? You should immediately notify SSA if your condition worsens or if you develop additional disabling conditions. Submit updated medical records and ask your doctors to provide current assessments of your limitations.
Will I be notified of the decision by mail? Yes, SSA will send you a written notice of their decision. If approved, the notice will explain your benefit amount and when payments will begin. If denied, it will explain the reasons and your appeal rights.
Can I check the status of my application online? Yes, you can check your application status online by creating a my Social Security account at https://www.ssa.gov/myaccount/. You can also call SSA at 1-800-772-1213 to check your status.
To receive Social Security disability insurance benefits (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income benefits (SSI) you must meet both medical and non-medical requirements. Typically, Social Security will make sure you meet the non-medical requirements before looking at the medical requirements.
General Non-Medical Requirements for Disability
The non-medical requirements for disability include any criteria not related to your medical or mental health conditions.
Citizenship or Legal Residency
Though many undocumented immigrants work and pay taxes in the US, including FICA taxes, they typically can’t get Social Security benefits. However, you don’t necessarily have to be a U.S. citizen. Some examples of non-citizens who may qualify for Social Security disability include legal permanent residents (green card holders), refugees and those who have been granted asylum. If you are unsure whether or not you may qualify for SSDI with your status, an experienced Social Security disability benefits advocate can help you determine whether you are eligible.
Social Security Work Credits
In order to qualify for SSDI benefits, you need to have accumulated a certain number of work credits across your career, and also a certain minimum number in the 10 years leading up to your disability. You may accumulate up to four work credits per year, and credits are based on the amount of money you earn, not the number of hours or days or weeks you work.
The amount of earnings required to receive one work credit changes over time. In 2025, $1,810 earns you a single work credit. So, you’ll need $7,240 in earnings to get all four credits for the year.
The number of work credits required to get Social Security retirement benefits is 40. That’s true for some people applying for Social Security disability as well, but younger workers need fewer credits. For disability, there’s an added requirement that a certain number of those credits be “recent.” That typically means 20 credits in the past 10 years (though this number is also reduced for younger workers).
You will often hear that shorthanded as “you must have worked five of the previous 10 years,” but that’s not exactly accurate. While you would have to have worked IN at least five of the previous 10 years to accumulate 20 credits, you don’t necessarily need to have worked full years. For example, if you were earning $3,000/month, you could accumulate the maximum four work credits for a year in less than three months of work.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses two different formulas to determine the required number of recent work credits and total work credits.
If you become disabled…
Recent work credits required are…
Before age 24
6 total credits in the three-year period leading up to disability
Between ages 24 and 31
The equivalent of half the time between age 21 and onset of your disability
At age 31 or older
20 credits in the 10-year period leading up to disability
Here’s an example of how the formula works between ages 24 and 31:
Josh became disabled at age 29. There are eight years between age 21 and the onset of Josh’s disability. That means he will need to have accumulated the equivalent of four years worth of work credits, or 16 credits, since he turned 21.
The total work credit requirement is 1.5 years for a person who becomes disabled before the age of 28. That number increases gradually over time. Here are some examples:
If you become disabled…
Total work credits required are…
Age 30
8
Age 38
16
Age 42
20
Age 50
28
Age 56
34
Age 60
38
If your disability begins after you have reached your full Social Security retirement age, you will not qualify for disability benefits. Instead, you will have the option of applying for your retirement benefits.
Limits on Income from Work
Technically, the income limit isn’t non-medical. However, your earnings from work are a threshold issue that can prevent your application from ever reaching full medical review. That’s because part of the SSA’s definition of disability is that you are unable to engage in substantial gainful activity (SGA).
The SSA considers your work to be substantial gainful activity if you are able to earn a certain amount in a month. The cut-off changes every year. Here are the figures for 2025 and 2026:
Year
General SGA Cut-off
SGA Cut-off for Blind Applicants
2025
$1,620/month
$2,700/month
2026
$1,690/month
$2,830/month
If you are earning above the cut-off, the SSA will determine that you are not disabled without looking at the specifics of your medical condition, since you are engaged in substantial gainful activity.
Non-Medical Requirements for SSI
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a financial needs-based program. To qualify for SSI, you must be age 65 and up, blind or disabled. Unlike SSDI, you do not need to have worked or earn any work credits. However, there are strict income and asset limits for SSI eligibility.
What are the Financial Requirements for SSI?
SSI benefits have a very strict set of financial requirements. It is considered a “means-tested” benefit. To meet the SSI income requirements,
You must have less than $2,000 in assets (or $3,000 for a couple)
Have a very limited income
Are a US citizen (there are very few exceptions to this)
These limits are low, but it’s important to note that the SSA disregards certain types of property when counting your assets. For example, the home you live in does not count toward your asset limit. Neither does your vehicle, if you or someone else in your household uses it for transportation.
Can You File for Both SSDI and SSI?
In some cases, you can file for both SSDI and SSI. You may have earned enough credits for SSDI. You may also meet the financial requirements for SSI. Filing for both SSDI and SSI is referred to as filing for “concurrent benefits.” However, to receive concurrent benefits, you must be approved medically for SSDI but receive low monthly payments.
Technical Denials
If you do not meet the non-medical requirements for disability, you will receive a technical denial. Social Security will send you notice of a technical denial pretty quickly. You cannot appeal a technical denial.
Medical Requirements for Disability
If you meet the non-medical requirements for disability, Social Security evaluates the medical requirements. Your claim will be sent to Disability Determination Services (DDS.) DDS contacts your doctors for your medical records. They may schedule examinations with a Social Security consultative examiner. DDS will determine whether you are medically disabled.
Getting Help with your Disability Claim
Working with an experienced advocate can be beneficial. It can help improve your chances of winning your case. Your disability advocate understands both the medical and non-medical requirements for Social Security disability claims. They can help guide you through the process.
Disability Help Group, Call Now for a Free Case Review, (800) 800-3332
Make sure you start your claim the right way and apply for all the benefits you deserve. Contact us now for a free consultation.
Top 3 Questions About Non-Medical Requirements for Disability
1. What are the main non-medical requirements for SSDI?
To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you must have enough work credits based on your past earnings and recent work history, and you must be a U.S. citizen or legal resident. You also can’t be earning more than the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit, $1,690 per month in 2026 ($2,830 if you’re blind).
2. What are the financial limits for SSI?
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is needs-based, not work-based. You must have limited income and assets, less than $2,000 for individuals or $3,000 for couples. Some property, like your primary home and one vehicle, doesn’t count toward this limit.
3. What happens if I don’t meet the non-medical requirements?
If you don’t meet the citizenship, work credit, or income criteria (non-medical requirements), the SSA will issue a technical denial before even reviewing your medical records. Unfortunately, technical denials cannot be appealed, so it’s important to verify your eligibility before applying.
“Social Security disability” technically refers to the SSDI (or SSD) program. However, people often interchangeably use the term to refer to SSD and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). While both programs are administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA), they are very different. SSD is funded by FICA contributions deducted from your paycheck. SSI, on the other hand, is a need-based program funded by the Treasury.
To qualify for SSDI benefits, you must have earned a certain number of work credits across your career, and a smaller number within the previous 10 years. Social Security disability operates like an insurance program, so you won’t be disqualified based on your assets. There is also no limit on income from sources other than work. However, if you earn above a certain threshold through work or self-employment, you will not be considered disabled. In 2025, the cut-off is $1,620/month ($2,700/month if you are blind).
What Can You Own on Social Security Disability: Unearned Income
Unearned income is money that is earned outside of a job. Under SSDI, you can receive income from other sources and still qualify to receive benefits. Examples of unearned income include:
Income from retirement accounts, dividends or stocks
Rental income, unless you are in the business of operating rental properties
Gifts from friends or family
Proceeds from the sale of property
Alimony or child support
What Can You Own on SSI?
SSI pays monthly benefits for low-income disabled adults and children and low-income senior citizens. Because SSI is a need-based program, the SSA will consider both your income and assets in determining eligibility. To qualify, you must:
Have less than $2,000 in countable assets (or $3,000 for a couple)
Social Security calls assets “resources.” Resources include money, but also other types of property that have value. Resources include:
Cash or any money in a checking or savings account
Life insurance policies, stocks, bonds or retirement accounts
Any other countable assets
However, certain types of property are considered non-countable, meaning they won’t be included when the SSA adds up the value of your assets. Some examples include your home, one motor vehicle, and many types of household goods.
SSI Income Limits
To be eligible for SSI benefits, your countable income must be below the maximum federal benefit amount. In 2025, that’s $967/month for an individual and $1,450/month for a married couple. This includes both income from work and income from other sources. If your spouse has income, some of that income may be counted. Some “in kind” help you receive from others may also be counted.
However, there are some adjustments applied to arrive at your countable income–it may be lower than your actual income. Social Security will also reduce your countable income with certain income exclusions. For example, Social Security excludes the first $20 of unearned income and the first $65 in earned income each month. Irregular income is treated somewhat differently.
The SSA also deducts certain costs from your income. For example, if you are working and need special impairment-related work expenses, you can deduct these expenses from your income. Other types of non-countable income include:
Food stamps
Tax refunds
Public benefits based on need
Loans that you have to repay
So, it’s worth checking your eligibility even if at first glance it seems like you have too much income or too many assets.
Sara has worked for 25 years and paid into Social Security. When she becomes disabled, she has $100,000 in an investment account and significant equity in her home.
Since Sara has accumulated sufficient work credits to be eligible for SSD and is no longer able to work due to her disability, she will likely qualify for SSD. SSD isn’t need-based, so her assets won’t be a problem. However, she will not qualify for SSI because she has significant countable assets.
Joe has worked only sporadically in the past 10 years and his ability to work is now limited by a disability. He works part-time and earns $500/month. He owns a car, has $750 in the bank and does not own a home.
Joe may be considered disabled even though he is earning $500/month from work because he is below the substantial gainful activity threshold. However, he may not qualify for SSD because he may not have accumulated enough recent work credits to be eligible.
Because his income and assets are both below the SSI cut-off, he may qualify for SSI benefits. However, his countable income will be deducted from the maximum benefit amount to determine his benefits. The SSA would:
Subtract $65 from his monthly earnings to determine countable income
Subtract countable income from the maximum federal benefit to determine benefits
In this scenario, that means:
$500 in earnings minus $65 exclusion = $435 in countable income
$967 maximum federal benefit minus $435 in countable income = $532 in monthly benefits
Mary has been living off of an inheritance for more than 10 years, so has no recent work credits. Now, she is in her 50s and has become disabled. Her funds are running low–she has about $50,000 remaining. But due to her disability, she cannot return to work.
In this scenario, Mary won’t qualify for either SSD or SSI. She hasn’t accrued enough recent work credits to qualify for SSD benefits, and her $50,000 disqualifies her from SSI benefits. Since she can’t return to work, she can’t become eligible for SSD. However, when her funds run out, she may be eligible for SSI.
Disability Help Group, Call Now for a Free Case Review, 800-700-0652
As you can see, determining which benefits you may be entitled to can be complicated. There may also be steps you can take to impact your eligibility or the amount of benefits you receive. Make sure you start your claim the right way and apply for all the benefits you deserve. Contact us now for a free consultation.
You Can Check the Status of Your Social Security Disability Claim Online
What your application status shows when you check your status online, you can find:
Your re-entry number for your online application or appeal that hasn’t been submitted
The date Social Security received your application or appeal
Your scheduled hearing date and time
The location of your application or appeal including the
address of the office processing your application
If a decision has been made
Understanding Your Status Updates
When you log in, you may see terms like “pending,” “in review,” or “decision made.” Knowing what these statuses mean can help you understand whether Social Security is waiting on medical records, scheduling a hearing, or preparing a decision.
How to Check Your Disability Application Status Online
You must sign into your “my Social Security” account. You cannot check the status of your claim online if you don’t have an account.
Step-by-step instructions:
Select “View Details” to check your application status.
Scroll down to the “Your Benefit Application” section.
How to Create a “my Social Security” Account
Social Security asks for specific information to create an online account. You can only create an account for yourself, you cannot create one for another person.
You will need:
Firstly, A valid email address
Secondly, Your social security number
Thirdly, A U.S. mailing address
You must be at least 18 years old
Tip: Both SSDI and SSI applicants can create an account to track their claims. Your account also allows you to view your earnings history, estimate retirement benefits, and update personal information.
Other Ways to Check Your Application Status
If you cannot access your application online, you can also:
Call your local Social Security office
Call Social Security’s national number at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY: 1-800-325-0778), available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Checking your disability status online is important so you can:
Make sure Social Security has all the paperwork to process your application or receives your medical records
Avoid missing any deadlines to appeal your claim if you are denied
Understand how long it might take to get a decision
Timeline insight:
Initial decisions generally take 3–6 months.
Reconsideration appeals may take 3–5 months.
Hearings with an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) can take 9 months to over a year, depending on your location.
Filing For Social Security Disability Online Status
Social Security follows many steps before making a decision on your claim. The process can be overwhelming and frustrating if you don’t know how it works:
You send your disability application to your local Social Security office.
The local office processes your application.
Social Security sends your claim to Disability Determination Services or DDS. Shortly after you have been assigned a claim adjudicator, he or she will contact you and provide paperwork regarding your claim.
Disability Status Online: Reconsideration
If Social Security denies your initial application, you can file an appeal for reconsideration. This is the next step in the disability process and can take several months for a decision.
Disability Status Online: Requesting a Hearing
If Social Security denies your reconsideration appeal, you can request a hearing in front of an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ).
Your case is sent to the Office of Hearings Operations (OHO)
OHO assigns an ALJ and sends you a letter with your hearing date, time, and location
Wait times can vary widely, sometimes taking 9 months to over a year
Benefits of Working with a Disability Advocate
Many people ask, “Do I need an advocate for Social Security Disability?” While you’re not required to have one, having our experienced team on your side can greatly improve your chances of approval. We guide you through every step of the application and appeals process, explain the often-complex Social Security disability rules, and help you gather the right medical records and work history to build a strong claim.
How an experienced disability advocate can help you:
1. Assistance with Social Security Forms
Social Security sends multiple forms requesting information about your daily activities, work history, and medical conditions. Missing or incomplete forms can lead to delays or claim denials. Our team of experienced disability advocates ensure all forms are completed accurately and submitted on time, helping prevent unnecessary setbacks in your claim.
2. Following Up with Social Security
SSA often sends letters indicating missing information or medical records. Our expert disability advocates monitor your claim closely, check its status more thoroughly than an online account or letter, and ensure that all necessary documents are received. This proactive approach helps keep your claim moving and increases the likelihood of a successful outcome.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How do I check my SSI claim status without a my Social Security account? A: You can call your local SSA office or the national number at 1-800-772-1213.
Q: How long does it take to get Social Security disability benefits after approval? A: Typically, 1–3 months after approval, though it may vary depending on your case.
Q: Can someone else check my disability claim status for me? A: No. Only you can access your online account, though your appointed representative or advocate can contact SSA on your behalf.
Make sure you start your claim the right way and apply for all the benefits you deserve. Our team of experienced Social Security Disability advocates knows the ins and outs of SSDI and are ready to fight to help you get the benefits you deserve.
Contact us now for a free consultation and expert guidance on your Social Security Disability claim. CLICK HERE for a FREE case evaluation.
If you’re applying for or considering applying for Social Security disability (SSD) benefits, you’ve probably heard that denial rates are high. You may also know that if you appeal, you can wait a long time for a hearing. What you may not know is that both approval rates and the wait time for an appeal hearing differ based on geography. In other words, the chances of an initial SSD claim being approved are higher in some states than others. In fact, approval rates can vary from office to office or ALJ to ALJ within a state.
In 2024, approval rates for initial claims for SSD only ranged from 34.8% in the state with the lowest approval rate to 57.4%. Just five states had initial SSD approval rates higher than 50%:
New Hampshire – 57.4%
North Dakota – 56%
Vermont – 54%
Nebraska – 52.7%
Rhode Island – 51.5%
Most states had initial SSD application approval rates of between 40% and 50%. But, a handful of states had rates below 40%, including:
The states with the highest and lowest approval rates for Social Security disability benefits are listed above, but what if you live in and are applying for disability benefits in one of the dozens of other U.S. states? Here are the Q1 2024 approval rates for every state in the U.S., as well as the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.
Alaska
49.8
Alabama
42.5
Arkansas
43.9
Arizona
34.8
California
42.5
Colorado
41
Connecticut
49.2
District of Columbia
45.8
Delaware
44.7
Florida
39.6
Georgia
39.4
Hawai’i
41.5
Iowa
48.7
Idaho
41.8
Illinois
46.3
Indiana
49.8
Kansas
48.4
Kentucky
40.6
Louisiana
45.9
Massachusetts
45.3
Maryland
47.2
Maine
46.4
Michigan
48.6
Minnesota
48.2
Missouri
47.5
Mississippi
46.7
Montana
43.5
North Carolina
40.8
North Dakota
56
Nebraska
52.7
New Hampshire
57.4
New Jersey
43.3
New Mexico
46.2
Nevada
38.8
New York
44.8
Ohio
44.1
Oklahoma
39.7
Oregon
47.9
Pennsylvania
46.4
Puerto Rico
46.1
Rhode Island
51.5
South Carolina
45.5
South Dakota
45.3
Tennessee
38.3
Texas
43.5
Utah
45.1
Virginia
48.9
Vermont
54
Washington
45.9
Wisconsin
49.8
West Virginia
41.7
Wyoming
47.3
Why are State SSD Approval Rates So Different?
It may surprise you that approval rates vary so much from state to state, given that Social Security disability is a federal program with a consistent set of requirements and eligibility criteria. There are several factors that may play a role in the SSD approval rate in a given state. It’s also worth noting that state populations vary significantly, meaning that the sample sizes are much different. For example, in Alaska, 313 initial SSD-only claims were decided in Q1 of 2024. During the same time period, more than 16,000 such claims were decided in California. A larger sample size makes the data more likely to be a reliable predictor.
Outcomes in a given state may be affected by variables such as:
How strictly applications are assessed by the team responsible for a particular location, which can vary based both on local procedures and on the individuals conducting the review
Access to quality medical care in the area, which in turn impacts the applicant’s ability to assemble solid medical documentation–insufficient documentation may delay claims or result in denial
The average age of the population, since older claimants are more likely to be approved
The educational level of the population, since workers with higher levels of education are generally considered better able to adapt to other work if they can no longer perform their previous work
The availability of quality assistance with the application process, which can make a significant difference in approval rates because an experienced advocate can ensure that the applicant avoids common mistakes and knows what type of documentation the Social Security Administration (SSA) will be looking for.
While it may be useful to know what to expect in terms of the likelihood of approval at the initial application stage in your state, it’s more important to focus on the factors that are within your control.
While most disabled workers aren’t in a position to relocate to a more favorable state to improve their odds of SSD approval, there are many steps you can take to strengthen your application. For example, you can:
Reliably see your doctor and any necessary specialists, ensuring that you’ve established a thorough record of your condition
Follow through with testing and treatment recommendations, to avoid the SSA deciding that they don’t have enough information about what your medical condition would be with property treatment to deem you disabled
Assemble a complete, effective application with the right type of documentation
Respond promptly to any requests from the SSA, such as a request for additional records or to undergo a specific test or exam
Know when to get help
An Experienced Disability Benefits Advocate Can Help
The SSD application process can be daunting. As you can see above, more than half of applications are denied in most states. Often, those denials could have been avoided. You can’t afford to make mistakes or omit important supporting evidence.
Fortunately, you don’t have to sort it out alone. Whether you are preparing to file a Social Security disability benefits application for the first time or have been denied and want to pursue a request for reconsideration or appeal, Disability Help Group is here for you. We help people with SSD applications and appeals every day, and have in-depth knowledge of both processes and how to assemble the documentation the SSA will want to see. To learn more about how our experienced disability benefits advocates can help you submit the strongest possible application, request for reconsideration or appeal, call 800-800-3332 right now, or fill out our contact form here.
