DISABILITY AWARD RATES FELL IN 2012

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:

1. Appeal any unfavorable decision.  Kick your case up to the next level and keep trying.  Persistence wins cases.
2. 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.