Applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits is a long and drawn-out process. And waiting can be the hardest step. If you have submitted your SSDI application and are now waiting to hear back, here are 8 signs you will be approved for Disability benefits through Social Security.
Social Security Approval Rate in Illinois
If this is your first time applying for Social Security, keep in mind that few applications are approved at the initial decision, and even fewer at reconsideration. But don’t lose hope, the Social Security Administration (SSA) gives applicants several opportunities to appeal their decision. Fortunately, the hearing approval rating, where applicants can present their case to a judge, is generally higher.
In the table below, you can see how the approval rate in Illinois compares to the national approval rate.
| Initial | Reconsideration | Hearing | |
|---|---|---|---|
| US | 35% | 13% | 54% |
| Illinois | 40% | 15% | 49% |
8 Signs That You Will Be Approved for Disability Benefits
Every SSDI application is unique, so it’s hard to say definitively whether or not a claim will be approved. However, here are a few signs that your disability benefits will be approved.
1. You’ve paid enough Social Security taxes through work credits.
The SSA determines eligibility for SSDI by calculating an applicant’s work credits. Simply put, the SSA wants to see that you contributed enough Social Security taxes over the years to receive benefits. Credits are based on your total wages (including self-employment), and you can earn up to 4 credits per year.
You must receive at least 40 work credits to be eligible for Social Security; at least 20 credits must have been completed within the past 10 years. Younger applicants may qualify for exceptions if they have not worked enough to reach 40 credits.
** As of January 1, 2025, thanks to the Social Security Fairness Act, public service workers with enough work credits can now collect their full Social Security benefits, regardless of their pension.
2. You can’t work for at least 12 months.
The minimum requirement for you to get approved for SSDI is that your condition has or is expected to prevent you from working for at least 12 months. Applying too soon for Social Security could jeopardize your application and lead to a denial.
The SSA makes exceptions for terminal illnesses such as certain cancers or Parkinson’s disease.
3. You do not have an advanced degree.
When reviewing an application, the SSA strongly considers the applicant’s ability to learn or attain a new job. They want to know that your disability makes it impossible for you to do any other kind of work other than your previous occupation.
Not having an advanced degree can limit a person’s ability to find a new line of work. The SSA evaluates applicants’ skills and classifies them by their skill level.
a. Unskilled work. Involves simple tasks that require little judgment, can be learned quickly, and do not build work skills.
b. Semi-skilled work. Requires some skills and attentiveness to perform moderately complex tasks, such as monitoring processes or guarding property.
c. Skilled work. Involves using judgment and expertise to perform complex tasks like precise measurements, interpreting blueprints, or managing people or data.
d. Transferable skills. Skills from skilled or semi-skilled work that can be applied to meet similar requirements in different jobs.
Workers with more advanced skills are more transferable to other types of work and may have a harder time proving to SSA that they cannot find gainful employment despite their disability. Low transferability is a sign you will be approved for disability.
4. You’re Over the Age of 50.
If you are over the age of 50, your chances of being approved for Social Security disability benefits improve significantly. The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses special rules for applicants in this age group, classifying individuals between 50 and 55 as “closely approaching advanced age.”
The SSA recognizes that older workers face greater challenges in adapting to new types of work. Factors such as reduced retrainability and the difficulty of making a vocational transition weigh heavily in these cases, even for applicants who are in relatively good health.
For applicants under 50, the burden of proof is higher—they must demonstrate that they are unable to perform any type of work to qualify for benefits. However, once you turn 50, the focus shifts to whether you can return to your previous jobs or other similar vocations from your work history.
This distinction makes it easier for older individuals to qualify for benefits, even if they are still capable of performing light work. As age increases, particularly for those over 55 or approaching 60, the SSA tends to take an even more favorable view, further easing the path to securing benefits.
5. You have well-documented medical evidence.
Having well-documented medical evidence is crucial for increasing your chances of being approved for Social Security disability benefits. The Social Security Administration (SSA) relies on detailed medical records to assess the severity of your condition and its impact on your ability to work. Key evidence includes:
- progress notes from your treating physician
- diagnostic reports
- imaging results like X-rays
- CT scans
- MRIs
- medical reports from specialists
- hospital stays
- outpatient records for mental health treatment
By presenting a comprehensive and well-organized medical history, you enhance the credibility of your application and increase the likelihood of receiving a favorable decision from the SSA.
6. You’ve been consistent with treatment.
It’s a good sign when applicants can show they have been treated consistently for their condition. It tells the SSA that your condition is chronic and that you’ve done all you can to improve your health to go back to work.
Medication noncompliance is a common reason why people with mental health conditions such as schizophrenia have a hard time getting approved for SSDI. Without consistent treatment, the SSA can’t reasonably conclude that you cannot return to work.
7. Your job was physically demanding.
Having a physically demanding job can significantly increase your chances of being approved for Social Security disability benefits if you become unable to work. The SSA evaluates your case using a Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) assessment, which measures your ability to perform specific work-related tasks such as lifting, sitting, standing, walking, and bending.
For individuals whose prior jobs required heavy physical exertion, like construction workers or oil field workers, proving an inability to continue performing those tasks due to medical limitations strengthens your claim.
The SSA also considers whether your physical restrictions would allow you to transition to less demanding work. Sedentary jobs, which are primarily seated, are the easiest to perform, while light jobs like cashier work require standing and lifting up to 20 pounds. Medium jobs, such as janitorial work, involve even heavier physical tasks.
8. You hired a Social Security attorney.
Hiring a Social Security attorney can greatly improve an applicant’s chances of being approved for SSDI. A lawyer can help track down your medical records, complete your application, and guide you through the appeals process. Even if you’ve been denied Social Security benefits, it’s not too late to contact an attorney for help.
Chicago Disability Discrimination FAQs
If you’ve been treated unfairly because of a disability at work, you may have legal options—and we’re here to help. Attorney Larry Disparti of Disparti Law Group is a skilled Chicago, IL disability discrimination lawyer who is highly experienced with Social Security Disability, and he and his legal team are here to help. Since founding the firm in 2004, we have grown to 30 attorneys strong, 120 staff, and have recovered over a billion dollars for our clients. If you believe your rights have been violated, don’t wait—call us today.
Am I Covered Under Social Security If I Have A Disability?
Many people wonder whether their disability qualifies them for Social Security benefits. You may be eligible if you have a condition that significantly limits your ability to work and is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. These benefits can come through Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). To apply, you’ll need medical documentation and a work history review. If your initial application is denied, you have the right to appeal the decision. The forms can be complicated and it is important to understand the definitions of terms that are used.
How Do I File A Discrimination Complaint Under Disability Law?
If you believe you’ve been discriminated against because of your disability, you can file a charge with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). This should be done as soon as possible, as there are strict time limits—often 180 days from the date of the incident. You’ll need to describe what happened, provide documentation if available, and complete the appropriate paperwork. A Chicago disability discrimination lawyer can help guide you through the process and protect your rights.
What Is Meant By ‘Reasonable Accommodation’?
Reasonable accommodation refers to modifications or adjustments an employer must make to help an employee with a disability perform their job duties. Examples include changes to work schedules, physical workspace adjustments, or the use of assistive technology. However, employers are not required to make accommodations that would cause undue hardship to their business. If you’ve requested an accommodation and been denied without a valid reason, this could be a sign of discrimination.
Can My Employer Fire Me For Having A Disability?
Federal law under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) prohibits employers from firing or refusing to hire someone simply because they have a disability. You are protected if you are qualified for the job and able to perform its essential functions, with or without reasonable accommodation. If you’ve been let go after disclosing a disability or after requesting accommodations, it’s important to document what happened and speak with legal counsel immediately.
What’s The Social Security Definition Of Disability?
The Social Security Administration defines a disability as a physical or mental condition that prevents you from engaging in substantial gainful activity and is expected to last at least a year or result in death. This definition is stricter than what’s used in other legal contexts, such as employment discrimination. To qualify for SSDI or SSI, your condition must meet these requirements, and you must have sufficient work credits (for SSDI) or financial need (for SSI).
We’re Ready To Stand By You
Life is difficult enough when you are disabled and facing discrimination or a denied disability claim can feel isolating, but you don’t have to handle it alone. If you’re looking for an experienced and committed Chicago disability discrimination lawyer, Disparti Law Group is here to help. Our team will listen to your story, review your rights, and take action.
Larry’s Guarantee — You Don’t Pay Unless We Win!
There is very little risk involved when you hire a Disparti Law Group attorney to handle your SSDI or SSI application. You don’t pay unless we win — that’s “Larry’s guarantee”! We recognize that every Social Security disability case is unique, and we treat every client’s situation with care. We are in it with you, helping to ensure you have the support you need during a trying time.
For a FREE case review, contact us today at (312) 600-6000 and find out why thousands say… Larry wins!!
