Disability award rates went tumbling
down again in 2012, according to numbers just published by the National
Organization of Social Security Claimants Representatives (NOSSCR).
Nationally, only 52 percent of decisions at the hearing level produced
awards. In 2010 the national average was 62 percent.
If
you want to look at the 2012 award rates at all levels, including the
federal courts, simply click on the link below to see the "waterfall
chart."
Waterfall Chart: Social Security approval rates in 2012.
Award
rates vary state-to-state, office-by-office and judge-to-judge. The
national average on the waterfall chart, however, mirror Alabama's
numbers very closely. Keep in mind that Alabama doesn't have a
"Reconsideration" stage, so those numbers don't apply.
In light of tumbling award rates, what advice do we have for legitimately disabled claimants? Only two:
- Appeal any unfavorable decision. Kick your case up to the next level and keep trying. Persistence wins cases.
- Use any and
all help you can get, including professional advocates or attorneys who
know how to deal with the Government and Social Security system.
Remember that the law is set
up to favor the claimant in the matter of representative's fees. A
representative can only charge you a fee if you win AND collect back
pay. It's a no risk proposition for the claimant.
Disability award rates went tumbling
down again in 2012, according to numbers just published by the National
Organization of Social Security Claimants Representatives (NOSSCR).
Nationally, only 52 percent of decisions at the hearing level produced
awards. In 2010 the national average was 62 percent.
If
you want to look at the 2012 award rates at all levels, including the
federal courts, simply click on the link below to see the "waterfall
chart."
Waterfall Chart: Social Security approval rates in 2012.
Award
rates vary state-to-state, office-by-office and judge-to-judge. The
national average on the waterfall chart, however, mirror Alabama's
numbers very closely. Keep in mind that Alabama doesn't have a
"Reconsideration" stage, so those numbers don't apply.
In light of tumbling award rates, what advice do we have for legitimately disabled claimants? Only two:
- Appeal any unfavorable decision. Kick your case up to the next level and keep trying. Persistence wins cases.
- Use any and
all help you can get, including professional advocates or attorneys who
know how to deal with the Government and Social Security system.
Remember that the law is set
up to favor the claimant in the matter of representative's fees. A
representative can only charge you a fee if you win AND collect back
pay. It's a no risk proposition for the claimant.
