The Social Security Administration (SSA) is very thorough when evaluating benefit applications. Professionals who cannot work due to disabling medical conditions may apply for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits. They ask the SSA to provide them with regular financial support until their health improves or they are old enough to qualify for retirement benefits. There are appeals available in cases where people believe they qualify, but the SSA does not approve them.
Does the appeals process for SSDI benefits mean that a judge typically has the final say regarding an applicant’s benefits?
Appeals do not always lead to court
There are multiple different stages of appeals available for SSDI applicants. A small percentage of applicants prevail during a reconsideration. They correct any paperwork issues and submit supplementary medical information to the SSA after a rejection.
Another SSA employee reviews the paperwork and approves the application. In those cases, the applicant receives benefits without ever needing to present information to a judge. Reconsideration leads to benefits in about 2% of all cases, on average.
If reconsideration is unsuccessful, then the next stage in the process involves requesting a hearing in front of an administrative law judge. In those cases, the judge reviews the information submitted to the SSA to determine if the decision about benefits was incorrect. There are additional appeal options available, including requesting a hearing in front of the SSA’s Appeals Council or pursuing litigation in federal court.
Understanding the different stages of SSDI appeals can help people know what steps to take when they need benefits. Court hearings are often a component of a successful appeal strategy, but they are not universally necessary for a successful appeal.