Is it true 70% of people get denied Social Security Disability?

I heard that 70% of the people that apply for SSDI get denied the first time. Is this accurate?
My psychiatrist told me I should apply and that I should not go back to work yet. I had to quit my job and I've used up my year of state disability so I have no income now. So of course I'm stressed.
The woman I spoke with at the social security office also said it takes 4-6 months for them to process a claim. I was also told by someone from EDD-state disability that most people apply for both unemployment and social security?? But he seemed uncertain.

Anyone know how long does it usually take social security to process a claim?
Do you really need a lawyer to help with it? (I've heard yes and no??)
Should I apply for unemployment as well?
Anyone have any experience working with the system?

Many Thanks for any advice you have!

It took my husband 7 years and 3 appeals to get his disability. My mother in law got her's in 8 months. My brother applied got denied then was approved within 3 months on his appeal. So it really is a crapshoot as far as I can tell.

We also found out the hard way that you have to have worked five out of the last ten years to be approved for SSDI otherwise you only get SSI. So apply as soon as you can and get the ball rolling.

I did my paperwork myself. No lawyer. I was approved with my first try in 3 months. There is no telling how fast or slow the process will take. I have heard that the state you ate in can also make a difference. Not sure if there is truth to that though.

Are not ate.

I did the paperwork and was approved the first time. I got a call was hallocenating so they approced me than and there. A friends boyfriend has a disability it was really hard for them. Years with a lawyer and refilling out forms. He was eventually approved but it took 3 or 4 years. Mine took 6 months. He has physical disability.

first thing is go according to your own treatment provider. if they feel you should fill out and submit the application then thats whats right for you.

second yes many people get denied the first time around. a friend of mine works for social security. they told me the leading cause for people getting denied the first time around is that they did not submit enough or the correct information needed to process their application.

those that give details, treatment providers, diagnosis's that are current and up to date, release of information, have their doctors fill out the appropriate forms, and see the treatment providers if social security has sent them a letter to do so, usually go through real quick.

the more open you are about you and your problem areas and you have the documentations to back that up the faster it will go through. Otherwise they have no choice but to deny the person applying because they dont have enough information to qualify the person.

maybe you can get the application and you and your therapist go through it together making sure everything possible that is your problem areas are included. that way social security will have everything they need to get you past the application process.

It’s all “CASE BY CASE PERIOD”. I applied and was denied. I went to disability court a year later with an attorney. The judge denied me. I fired my attorney. Waited one year but kept going to my doc appointments. Then I replied did all the paperwork myself and was approved in eight weeks. My high school friend has the same diagnosis. She has been denied three times and she got an attorney. Her husband has the same diagnosis and he was approved. Like I said, it’s case by case. I get SSDI. I’ve worked for over 20 years.

Also there are lazy SSA workers. I was put on SSI for over six months when I’ve worked for 20 YEARS and paid TAXES! I called and called. Then finally I went to my local SSA office and asked for a supervisor. After waiting forever they had a SSA worker to begin the paperwork to fix the error I put my on SSDI. Then they explained I had to payback the SSI.

My application got approved in 3 months. I don't think it was because I was so tremendously deserving. I give a lot of credit to the many wonderful resources that are on websites and on YouTube that explain how the decision is made. I took the time to explore these. Plus I bought some books - the ones written at a level most people can understand. Also, I worked with a law firm. I strongly recommend you do that. I recommend the big law firms that specialize in disability claims.

Start calling the law firms. It won't cost you anything to just talk to them on the phone. Call a few. You'll be surprised how quick they call you back and how nice they are. If you put out feelers to about 6 firms, at least a couple will strike you as ones you feel real comfortable with. When you tell them that your psychiatrist wants you to apply, they will get real interested in you. Answer all their questions. That will enable them to size up your chances. They are good at that.

If a law firm says, "Go try it on your own. Then call me if you get turned down." That's a lawyer who wants to see you go through months of pain, so the payoff to the law firm will be bigger. But, if a big firm says they want to help you, that means they think you have a good chance of getting approved. (They won't make a penny, unless you do get approved.)

If you start dealing with the Social Security people on your own, you run the risk of fouling things up without meaning to. I let the law firm tell me what to do, and I did exactly as they directed me. It's okay to use a law firm from another state. Ask them this question: If you need to go to a hearing, will they send a lawyer to go with you. If they say yes, hire them.

I think everyone is denied benefits. It's how the system is set up. They deny everyone and see who fights back to get accepted. Human nature works that way.

I got mine on the first try in three months. Amandalouise, I think, is correct. The more and better information you can give, the easier it will be. I even submitted pictures of the self harm that I had done to my face. Got the approval the next day. I think if you can really show how it affects you, and not just the Dx, that helps. Like Amanda said, releasing doctor's notes, etc. Having your doctors write good recommendations, etc. That all helps. It is case-by-case, but there are things you can do to help yourself.

This is what a lot of people believe. It's not true.

I applied online at home and was approved in three months. AmandaLouise does a good job of explaining things.

That said, I was in an active local support group and we all had the same condition and it took one lady three years, but she was approved.

I’ve received and still receive treatment, but I’m treatment-resistant for my main condition and have never has a remission. I have a really thick file (files), as I keep trying and I’m in good care. But...I’m disabled. I’ve been reviewed...still disabled.

Taking your time filling out the application to thoroughly answer helps. The government will gather all your records (that was a huge relief to me)....the form is where you explain how your functioning is in a day to day basis.

everyone gets denied the first time. i got denied twice and appealed, approved at the administrative judge level.


the key is to appeal, not reapply.