Social Security Disability Denial Rates or What are my chances to win SSDI or SSI?

This page will list the denial rates for SSDI and SSI disability at application and reconsideration.  I listed below the average denial percentages for each state and the individual local offices averages may be different.

I am including this information in the website because I am frequently asked if everyone is denied when they first apply and what are my chances of winning?  When looking at the statistics on denials keep in mind that these are averages and every case is different.  In my experience, I find that those that win at the early stages are fully developed files that show an individual meets a listing or is disabled under the GRID rules.  This is why I feel it is important to have a lawyer for ssdi or ssi as early in the process as possible.  If you leave the development of your file up to SSA you will certainly decrease your chances of winning at these early stages of the process.  If you decide not to get a lawyer you must do everything you can to get all your medical records in and make sure you understand how SSA will determine if you are disabled.

FREE DISABILITY CASE EVALUATION

Percentage of Disability Claims Denied and Approved at Application and Reconsideration.

FISCAL YEAR 2006

INITIAL DISABILITY CLAIM

Initial and Reconsideration Adjudicative Levels

Allowance and Denial Rates by State

TOTAL- Title II, Title XVI, & Concurrent

                                                Initial Level                                           Recon Level

                                    Allow Rate %       Denial Rate %          Allow Rate %       Denial Rate %

NATION                          35.2                        64.8                      13.2                        86.8

AK                                   42.9                        57.1                      31.3                        68.8

AL                                    28.2                        71.8                      26.8                        73.2

AR                                    32.2                        67.8                      12.0                        88.0

AZ                                    40.2                        59.8                      29.7                        70.3

CA                                    43.4                        56.6                      16.2                        83.8

CO                                   30.5                        69.5                      17.0                        83.0

CT                                    36.7                        63.3                      15.7                        84.3

DC                                    53.7                        46.3                      36.2                        63.8

DE                                    47.9                        52.1                      17.1                        82.9

FL                                     33.7                        66.3                      14.2                        85.8

GA                                    25.0                        75.0                      11.0                        89.0

HI                                     53.2                        46.8                      36.6                        63.4

IA                                     31.1                        68.9                      11.7                        88.3

ID                                     38.1                        61.9                        9.1                        90.9

IL                                      32.9                        67.1                        9.9                        90.1

IN                                     31.0                        69.0                        6.9                        93.1

KS                                    28.2                        71.8                      10.8                        89.2

KY                                   30.1                        69.9                        9.3                        90.7

LA                                    36.1                        63.9                      27.3                        72.7

MA                                   45.1                        54.9                      28.0                        72.0

MD                                   33.8                        66.2                      14.4                        85.6

ME                                   37.6                        62.4                      17.9                        82.1

MI                                   29.0                        71.0                      26.5                        73.5

MN                                   40.5                        59.5                      14.8                        85.2

MO                                   29.8                        70.2                      24.2                        75.8

MS                                   25.1                        74.9                        6.1                        93.9

MT                                   36.5                        63.5                      14.8                        85.2

NC                                   29.8                        70.2                      10.9                        89.1

ND                                   38.6                        61.4                      10.7                        89.3

NE                                    32.7                        67.3                        9.6                        90.4

NH                                   58.7                        41.3                      37.8                        62.2

NJ                                     46.6                        53.4                      20.2                        79.8

NM                                  40.6                        59.4                      14.6                        85.4

NV                                   48.4                        51.6                      28.9                        71.1

NY                                   43.0                        57.0                      17.8                        82.2

OH                                   26.6                        73.4                      10.9                        89.1

OK                                  36.4                        63.6                      15.5                        84.5

OR                                    29.6                        70.4                        9.0                        91.0

PA                                    40.8                        59.2                      33.2                        66.8

PR                                    36.0                        64.0                      18.7                        81.3

RI                                     42.8                        57.2                      17.4                        82.6

SC                                    23.3                        76.7                        8.6                        91.4

SD                                    33.1                        66.9                      12.4                        87.6

TN                                    22.8                        77.2                        6.4                        93.6

TX                                    38.7                        61.3                      18.1                        81.9

UT                                    35.3                        64.7                      11.6                        88.4

VA                                    44.4                        55.6                      15.5                        84.5

VT                                    49.5                        50.5                      17.1                        82.9

WA                                   38.4                        61.6                      12.2                        87.8

WI                                    33.5                        66.5                      13.5                        86.5

WV                                   29.5                        70.5                      11.1                        88.9

WY                                   40.9                        59.1                      11.7                        88.3


Source: FY 2006 DIODS EXTRACT

The statistics above can be a little depressing if you are applying for SSDI or SSI.  Remember winning percentages and denial rates do not tell the whole story and every case is different. Those who are committed to winning there claim should become knowledgeable about the law or get a lawyer to help them and this should increase their odds. 

We have attempted to provide up to date and accurate information, however the information in this site is not guaranteed.  No attorney client relationship exist.  The information in this site is not a substitute for consultation with a qualified attorney.
© 2006, 2007 by Kazmierczak & Kazmierczak, LLP. All rights reserved.