Getting approved for Social Security Disability benefits is very difficult. Most people get denied due to a variety of factors. Individuals who need these monthly checks in order to pay their bills may be worried that they will get denied. What then?

Here are the latest Social Security Disability denial rates, as well as what you can do to improve your chances of getting approved.

What Are the Denial Rates?

According to the latest statistics from the Social Security Administration (SSA), the denial rate for benefits is 64%. The approval rate is 33% for first-time applicants, and between 2% and 9% at the reconsideration and hearing stages. A majority of people are denied benefits, but there are things that you can do to bolster your application.

How to Increase Your Chances of Getting Approved

It’s always a good idea to consult with an SSDI & SSI lawyer, who will work with you to ensure your application is as strong as possible. They will let you know, for instance, that you need to be medically unable to work for at least a year and in some cases, depending on your past work and your age, not have the ability to switch to another line of work. They’ll help you collect the evidence you need to prove that you’re disabled. This evidence could include information from your doctors like test results and a list of medications. They could also assist you in gathering testimonials from people who are familiar with your condition. Throughout the process, they’ll take the burden off of you so you can focus on your health during this tough time.

Working With Schott Law to Get Approved

If you need help applying for SSDI & SSI, Schott Law is here for you. Maggie Schott is an SSDI & SSI lawyer serving Washington and Idaho. Contact us now at (509) 328-5789 to start your application.