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NEW AWARD RATES: WHAT ARE YOUR ODDS?

Social Security has published its disability award rates for fiscal year 2011, which are the latest data available.  The odds are certainly not getting better, according to these numbers.  I am using the term "award" to mean that the benefit was approved as applied for at the application or reconsideration level.  "Reconsideration" does NOT refer to the hearing.  Forty states have a reconsideration process which comes after the initial denial but before the hearing process.  Alabama, where I practice, does not have a reconsideration process; applicants who are denied may go directly to the hearing process.  Tennessee, however, requires a reconsideration before you may request a hearing.

Here are the latest numbers for the USA and for 3 southeastern states, near my geographical area of practice.

USA/NATIONAL:   33.5 percent were awarded at the initial (application) level and 11.6 percent at the reconsideration level.  (Remember, 10 states do not have a "reconsideration" process).

ALABAMA awarded 29.4 percent initially (and has no reconsideration process apart from the hearing level).

TENNESSEE has an initial award rate of 24.5 percent and approved only 8.9 percent at reconsideration.  In my view, this validates my opinion that the reconsideration process generally amounts to a waste of time.

GEORGIA has an award rate of 26.8 percent for applications and 13.4 percent at reconsideration.

Keep in mind that the majority of Social Security disability cases are won at the hearing level.  Your odds dramatically increase at the hearing and with competent representation the hearing is your best chance to be awarded Social Security disability benefits.  You cannot be charged a fee for representation unless you win and also recover back benefits.  Fees are strictly limited by the Social Security Administration.

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This site is sponsored by Social Security disability advocates of The Forsythe Form in Huntsville, AL.  (256) 799-0297.  We would be happy to provide more information about our advocacy for Social Security disability applicants.



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