You often hear the negative about Social Security disability: how hard it is to get, the long application process, the complicated rules, etc. There is a positive aspect of SSDI, however, that we may loose sight of: Over 50 percent of all claimants will receive benefits IF they follow all appeals to the end. While almost 75 percent of initial claims are denied and 90 percent of "reconsideration" appeals get denied, cases that go before an Administrative Law Judge have a much better success rate. If you persist and take your SSDI claim before a judge, you have between 50 - 58 percent chance of winning and being paid. Most claimants will also collect substantial past due benefits or "back pay." Unfortunately, thousands of claimants give up after the first denial. They receive a letter that says, "You are not disabled under our rules," and they quit. this is a mistake. You must understand from the beginning that receiving Social Security disability bene...
Do you believe you are disabled and entitled to monthly benefits from the Social Security Administration (called SSDI benefits, for "Social Security Disability Insurance)? Social Security's eligibility requirements are very strict. Here's a partial checklist to see if you meet the basic, technical requirements to receive a disability check: 1. You must not currently be working at "Substantial Gainful Activity" (SGA). In 2026 you must not be working and earning wages or self employment income of at least $1,690 per month, gross wage You must be "insured" by the Social Security Act. Generally, you must have worked and paid FICA tax for at least 5 years out of the most recent 10-year period. This gives you the minimum "quarters of coverage" to be insured or covered for SSDI. You must have a "severe" medical and/or mental condition that keeps you from working and ...