Understanding SSDI Approval Rates

The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a multi-stage process to determine whether an applicant qualifies for disability benefits. These stages include:

• Initial Application
• Reconsideration
• Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) Hearing
• Appeals Council or Federal Court Review (if necessary)

Each stage has its own approval rate, and most applicants receive at least one denial before ultimately being approved. In Illinois, approval odds are slightly higher than the national average at certain stages — particularly when applicants reach the hearing level and present their case before an Administrative Law Judge.

SSDI Approval Odds in Illinois

At the initial application stage, about one-third of Illinois applicants are approved for SSDI benefits. The majority of applications are denied because the SSA determines that there isn’t enough medical evidence or that the condition doesn’t meet the required severity level.

If your initial claim is denied, you can file for reconsideration, which involves a second review by a different SSA examiner. Approval odds during reconsideration are relatively low — generally around one in ten claims are approved at this stage.

However, if your claim reaches the hearing stage, your chances improve significantly. Many Illinois applicants win their cases before an Administrative Law Judge, with approval rates around one in two. At this point, you have the opportunity to explain your condition in person and provide updated medical records or additional statements from your doctors.

Why Approval Odds Are Low at First

It’s common for SSDI applicants to be denied during the first round of review. There are several reasons this happens, including:

• Incomplete or weak medical documentation. The SSA requires detailed medical evidence showing how your condition limits your ability to work.
• Failure to meet the 12-month duration rule. If your disability isn’t expected to last at least a year, your claim may not qualify.
• Lack of treatment records. If you haven’t been consistently seeing doctors or following treatment plans, it may appear that your condition isn’t serious.
• Missing work history information. Errors or omissions in your employment records can delay or harm your claim.

Understanding these issues early allows you to fix them before appealing your case.

How to Improve Your SSDI Approval Odds

Improving your chances of winning an SSDI claim in Illinois requires preparation, evidence, and persistence. You can strengthen your application by:

• Gathering complete medical records. Include hospital records, specialist notes, lab results, and your doctor’s statements.
• Asking for detailed medical opinions. A letter from your treating physician that clearly describes how your condition limits your ability to work can make a big difference.
• Staying consistent. Ensure your medical information and work history are accurate and match across all forms.
• Meeting deadlines. If your claim is denied, submit appeals within the 60-day window to keep your case moving.
• Considering legal representation. Applicants who work with disability attorneys generally have higher approval odds, especially at the hearing stage.

How Illinois Compares to National Approval Rates

While approval rates vary by year, Illinois tends to perform slightly better than national averages. Nationally, around one-third of applicants are approved initially, while Illinois hovers slightly above that mark. The same trend continues at the hearing level, where Illinois judges approve a higher percentage of claims compared to the national average.

That said, these are only averages. Your personal odds depend on the strength of your documentation, how clearly your disability is described, and whether you present a consistent and well-supported case.

What Happens If You’re Denied

If your SSDI claim is denied, don’t lose hope — many successful applicants win their cases after appealing. Here’s what you can do:

• File for reconsideration. This is the first step in the appeal process. Submit any additional evidence you have and correct any mistakes in your original application.
• Request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge. This is where many Illinois applicants finally win their claims. Be prepared to explain your symptoms and how they affect your daily life.
• Submit updated medical evidence. If your condition has worsened or you have new test results, include these in your appeal.

Persistence is key. Many applicants who continue through the appeal process eventually receive the benefits they deserve.

The Importance of Representation

Although you can represent yourself, many applicants choose to work with an experienced SSDI lawyer because legal support can dramatically improve your odds. A qualified attorney can:

• Review your denial notice and identify weak points in your claim.
• Help gather medical evidence and prepare supporting documentation.
• Represent you at your hearing and question medical or vocational experts.
• Handle all communications with the SSA to prevent delays or missed deadlines.

Most SSDI attorneys, including Hogan Smith, work on a contingency basis — meaning you only pay if your claim is approved.