Social Security Disability Approval Rates Drop To Lowest Level In Five Years, Allsup Reports

Belleville, IL (PRWEB) June 03, 2014

The approval rate for people seeking Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits has dropped to its lowest level in five years, according to Allsup, the nation's premier disability representation company®. Only 48 percent of those who sought disability benefits were approved at the hearing level in fiscal 2103, and only 33 percent of claimants were approved with their initial application.

"It's becoming increasingly difficult for people with disabilities to receive the SSDI benefits they deserve and paid for while working," said Mike Stein, assistant vice president of claims at Allsup. "It's now more critical than ever to have a disability representative like Allsup to gather and present well-documented claims evidence so you are able to receive Social Security benefits."

According to Allsup's analysis of data provided by the Social Security Administration (SSA), the approval rate for initial disability claims declined to 33 percent in FY 2013, down from 36 percent in FY 2008. The hearings approval rate dropped to 48 percent in FY 2013 from 63 percent in FY 2008. This comparison is based on the Workload Data Disability Appeals table provided by the SSA.

"Choosing to use a representative like Allsup can help your SSDI application with thorough claim development, expert knowledge about Social Security's requirements for SSDI benefits, and proper documentation of your claim," Stein said. "Allsup helps more than half of our customers receive their benefits with their initial SSDI application."

Most SSDI applicants--about three in four people--have a representative by the time they reach a hearing with their claim, he added. SSDI provides monthly benefits to individuals under full retirement age (65-67) and who can no longer work because of a disability. The injury, illness or condition must be expected to last for at least 12 months or be terminal. Individuals and their employers fund the SSDI program through FICA payroll taxes. To learn more about why to apply for SSDI benefits, click here.

Ten Reasons To Get SSDI Representation

Applicants choose a professional disability representative for a number of reasons when they apply for Social Security disability benefits. This includes avoiding lines at the local field office during limited public hours. Allsup provides the following top 10 reasons to seek professional help when applying for SSDI benefits:

1. An experienced representative can quickly determine if applicants are eligible for SSDI benefits. The SSA's requirements to receive SSDI benefits are stringent. Contact a disability expert now at (800) 678-3276 to learn about Social Security Disability Insurance eligibility.
2. Applicants with a representative are more likely to get through the SSDI process more quickly the first time around. Receiving benefits at the initial level, which takes an average of three to six months, means applicants avoid appeals altogether.
3. Applicants can rely on the SSDI representative to be the expert. Allsup disability specialists understand Social Security's requirements for the SSDI program. "Allsup SSDI representatives have decades of experience with Social Security, and we are able to anticipate the information required to fully document your claim," Stein said.
4. Professional representatives ensure the claim is filed properly. Allsup disability experts support customers by collecting medical records, completing paperwork, submitting records digitally to Social Security, and regularly contacting the SSA for updates.
5. Representatives will avoid common mistakes, such as underestimating or exaggerating the disability and its impact. "We see claimants who make the mistake of either overstating their disability, or not providing enough details about the impact of the disability on their daily living," Stein said. Find more about how Social Security reviews SSDI claims on Allsup.com.
6. Applicants benefit by having an advocate who helps with the application and subsequent appeals, if needed. Allsup provides representation from the initial application through the appeals process for qualified individuals. "Allsup representatives evaluate your claim each step along the way to incorporate more information and updates, and advocate for you to receive benefits," Stein said.
7. A representative will answer questions and explain confusing parts of the process. Allsup customers benefit from live online chats, telephone access, website and personalized account access for ongoing support and assistance.
8. An SSDI representative will improve the chances the claim will not go to a hearing. As noted earlier, Allsup helps tens of thousands of people receive their benefits with their application and avoid a hearing.
9. A knowledgeable and experienced representative is invaluable if the claim goes to a hearing. About 75 percent of claimants have a representative at their hearing.
10. A representative may provide additional support for the duration of the SSDI claim. Allsup assists its customers with a variety of resources, special services and access to disability groups nationwide for added assistance. "As an Allsup customer, you can turn to a wide range of resources and support--and our emphasis is on providing True Help®," added Stein.

Find more information about choosing an SSDI representative on the Allsup website, Allsup.com.

For questions about eligibility for SSDI benefits, contact an Allsup SSDI specialist for a free evaluation at (800) 678-3276.

About Allsup

Allsup is a nationwide provider of Social Security disability, veterans disability appeal and Medicare services for individuals, employers and insurance carriers. Allsup professionals deliver specialized services supporting people with disabilities and seniors so they may lead lives that are as financially secure and as healthy as possible. Founded in 1984, the company is based in Belleville, Illinois, near St. Louis. For more information, go to http://www.Allsup.com or visit Allsup on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/Allsupinc.

Read the full story at http://www.prweb.com/releases/2014/06/prweb11902548.htm