Social Security Disability Outcomes by the Numbers

This chart was released as a part of the Annual Statistical Report on the Social Security Disability Insurance Program in 2010. It shows the outcomes of Social Security Disability Insurance Benefit claims over a period spanning from 2000 to 2009. It is interesting to note the percentages of denials and what the denial was for, as well as the small percentage of initial and reconsideration approvals. A lot of people can become frustrated with these initial and reconsideration denials, so it may bring a small glimmer of hope to realize that such a small percentage of people are approved at these levels.

The final award rate for disabled-worker applicants has varied over time, averaging nearly 45 percent for claims filed from 2000 through 2009. The percentage of applicants awarded benefits at the initial claims level averaged 28 percent over the same period and ranged from a high of 37 percent to a low of 26 percent. The percentage of applicants awarded at the reconsideration and hearing levels are averaging 3 percent and 13 percent, respectively. Denied disability claims have averaged nearly 53 percent.