The chances of getting approved for disability benefits are among the first things people want to know when applying for disability. Unfortunately, chances of your application being approved at the initial stage of the Social Security Disability process aren’t high, with only about 38% of claimants having their initial applications approved. However, more than 50% of applicants who appeal the denials get approved for disability benefits during an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) hearing. Understanding why many claims are denied and the factors that influence your odds of success can help you take the right steps to increase your chances of winning disability benefits in Chicago.

Call the Chicago Social Security disability lawyers at Ankin Law at 872-529-9377 for a free consultation about your disability case.

Factors That Impact Your Chances of Getting Approved for Disability

Your situation determines your chances of being approved for disability benefits. Nevertheless, certain factors can influence your odds of success. These factors include:

Medical Evidence

Medical evidence plays a role in disability application success. The Social Security Administration (SSA) requires thorough documentation of your medical condition, including diagnoses, tests, treatments, and limitations that affect your work-related functions. What conditions automatically qualify you for disability? Conditions on the Compassionate Allowance list are considered sufficiently disabling through diagnosis alone. As a result, they may qualify you for fast-tracked disability benefits.

Work History

The SSA reviews your work history to determine if there’s work you can do based on your past as well as skills and education. Your work history also affects your eligibility for SSDI benefits. Once you establish “What is the SSDI definition of disability?” it’ll be clear to see that having worked too recently or currently performing work close to the substantial gainful activity (SGA) level could impact your chances of success.

Age

Applicants over the age of 50 usually have less to prove to qualify for disability benefits. They may be eligible for benefits after demonstrating their medical condition prevents them from doing their current or past jobs under the grid system. The SSA may consider them too close to retirement age to be reasonably expected to change careers. Younger applicants with a variety of work skills or who are well-educated are usually approved for benefits less often.

Legal Representation

According to Disability:IN Chicagoland, about 1.5 million people in Illinois have a disability. Survey results of successful disability claimants and government statistics show that having a lawyer increases your chances of winning benefits. Social Security disability lawyers know all the SSA rules and regulations and provide guidance throughout the process.

Common Reasons Disability Claims Get Denied

A disability claim denial can leave you wondering, “How hard is it to get Social Security disability?” Many claims are denied due to mistakes made by applicants and the failure to pay close attention to what’s required to obtain benefits. Knowing why disability claims are denied can help you take the right approach and avoid errors in your application or appeals. Common reasons for denials include:

  • Lack of sufficient medical evidence
  • Incorrect or missing nonmedical information
  • Discontinuing treatment
  • Failure to cooperate with the SSA
  • Missing filing deadlines

How a Disability Lawyer Can Help You Get Approved for Disability in Chicago

Having a Social Security disability lawyer can improve your chances of getting approved for SSDI in a number of ways.

A lawyer familiar with disability law will know what type of evidence will show you meet the SSA’s listing of impairments or prove your condition prevents you from going back to your past work or switching to some other form of work. If you hire a lawyer at the application stage, he or she will help you track down and gather the necessary medical documents before submitting your application. Your lawyer will know how to organize and present the documentation clearly and persuasively. He or she will also ensure your application is filled out accurately and completely and is free of errors, such as overstatement of your job skills or abilities.

If your application is denied, your lawyer will guide you through the disability appeals process. He or she will gather and present legal evidence at your appeal hearing. An experienced Chicago disability lawyer will be familiar with the administrative law judges who preside over local appeal hearings. The lawyer will know how a particular judge evaluates evidence and testimony. As a result, he or she will use this experience to develop a strategy for your case tailored to maximize your chances of winning the case.

Your Social Security disability attorney will help you rehearse answering questions you’ll be asked at the hearing and ensure your testimony is both honest and persuasive. The attorney will know how to effectively cross-examine experts and counter opposing arguments to strengthen your case.

Once you’re approved for disability benefits, your attorney will help you understand key issues such as “When do SSDI benefits begin, and how long do they continue?” and ensure you get all the benefits and back pay you’re entitled to receive. Your attorney will address miscalculations and discrepancies.

The Chicago Social Security disability lawyers at Ankin Law can help you get approved for disability benefits in Illinois. Contact us today for a free case review.