Question? - Disabilities Message Board

newfie11 · 02-12-2007, 05:07 AM

I am wondering why different states have different rates of approving SSD? I know it is federal so how does this happen. I saw a website somewhere on the internet that showed the approval rate by the states. As far as getting an attorney to represent you in SSD, is it better to go with one of the national ones or a local one? I don't see any in my area that only do SSD. There are some that advertise they do SSD but also list other things.
Thanks for you help

countrykid · 02-12-2007, 10:55 AM

Your area may not have a demand for just SSDI attorneys. They only get money when you win a case. So there are alot of firms that handle other types of legal affairs.
It's hard to beleive that in some states the approval rate is so much higher than others when it is a federal agency. It is humans that determine how your disablity affects your ability to work. Yes they have a guideline but there is alot of factors that an individual can use to determine. What you think maybe slightly different than someone else. I used to think at one time that the pain I was constantly in every minute of the day was the absolute worst until oneday I experienced pain I had never dreamed of and hope to never have again. You have to also look at the age of those approved. It is much easier if the area you live in has less oppurtunity for an older person to have gainful employment. Also some states are more prone to having more disabled individuals residing.

Mz Migraine · 02-12-2007, 11:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by newfie11

I am wondering why different states have different rates of approving SSD? I know it is federal so how does this happen. I saw a website somewhere on the internet that showed the approval rate by the states. As far as getting an attorney to represent you in SSD, is it better to go with one of the national ones or a local one? I don't see any in my area that only do SSD. There are some that advertise they do SSD but also list other things.
Thanks for you help

Excellent question.

Even though SSD is federal, no two cases are alike. Think of the disability claims like snowflakes or fingerprints. There are never any alike and/or *exactly* the same.
Also, you must take into consideration the high cases of Social Security Disability fraud out there. Some you hear about (if you watch Dateline, 20/20, etc.), most you don't.

Age plays a huge part in getting rejected or accepted into the program. If you are 50+ you have a very good chance of getting a favorable decision. Why?

Personal Opinion - Job Market situation. Who really wants to hire a Baby Boomer much less a *disabled* one?

Mz Migraine · 02-12-2007, 11:28 AM

Have you checked your local Yellow Pages for a Social Security Attorney? I really don't recommend the ones that advertise on TV however, if push comes to shove & you have no other choice.................

Advice seeker · 02-12-2007, 02:10 PM

Disabilities are first decided by Disability Determination Services (DDS) which are state agencies that are funded by the Federal Government. This is probably the reason that some states have higher initial approval rates that others.