How To Improve Your Chances in 2025
You’re a Texas resident and you’ve either suffered a serious injury or contracted an illness that makes it impossible for you to work. You know that you may be eligible for disability benefits through the Social Security Administration (SSA). What is the likelihood of getting a Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits application approved in Texas? What are the Texas-specific approval rates for an SSDI claim? What can you do to improve your chances of qualifying for benefits?
The Prospects for Successfully Obtaining SSDI Benefits in Texas
Though the same laws are applied nationwide, the rate of approval for Social Security disability insurance applications varies significantly from state to state. Alaska and Kansas lead the way, with 65% and 53% approval ratings, respectively. At the other end of the spectrum, the District of Columbia and Oklahoma are the stingiest, with 30% and 31%, respectively.
Among the factors commonly cited for the differing approval rates are:
- Economic conditions in the state
- Demographics—States with older populations tend to see higher approval rates.
- Access to healthcare
- Awareness and education
- Access to quality legal representation
The national average for approval of an initial application was 38% in 2023. Texas fell just short of the average, with a 35% initial application approval rate.
What Can You Do To Increase the Likelihood That Your SSDI Application Will Be Approved?
You may believe that applying for SSDI benefits is straightforward and that you shouldn’t experience much difficulty. Unfortunately, that’s rarely true. The process is both complex and time-consuming, with a number of potential pitfalls. Here are some of the things you can do to maximize your chances of an initial approval of benefits:
- Hire experienced legal counsel as soon as possible—The best way to bolster your chances of getting the benefits you need is to retain an attorney with experience successfully handling SSDI claims. Having an attorney help you with your SSDI benefits application increases your chances of approval by three times. Your lawyer will know exactly what SSA examiners are looking for and will make certain that your application is complete and well-supported by medical evidence. It’s especially important that you hire an attorney early in the process if you’ve been earning money after your injury or illness onset or if your disability is related to an uncommon illness, like lyme disease.
- Be sure to have proper medical documentation of your injury or illness—When you have any type of injury, seek medical attention as soon as possible. Whether you have been diagnosed with an injury or an illness, ask medical professionals to fully and carefully document all symptoms, conditions, and diagnoses in writing. In addition, keep your own journal, recording specific events and documenting your health on a day-to-day basis.
- Do what your doctor recommends—One of the quickest ways to have an SSDI claim denied is to ignore medical advice. If it appears that you have voluntarily chosen not to do those things that could help you get well, SSA will be unlikely to approve your claim.
- Stop working—Even though you can have some earnings and still qualify for SSDI benefits, SSA may ignore your claim if you’re still working. To have your claim approved, you must show that you cannot engage in “substantial gainful activity.”
- Be ready to file an appeal if your claim is denied—About one out of every three claims that are initially denied are subsequently approved. You need to appeal the initial denial within 60 days. Having an attorney represent you greatly increases your chances of winning on appeal.
Contact Bailey & Galyen for Proven Advocacy When You Have an SSDI Claim
At the law offices of Bailey & Galyen, we’ve helped individuals in Texas pursue SSDI benefits for decades. We have a comprehensive knowledge of the requirements to qualify for SSDI benefits, as well as the process of securing approval of a claim. To learn more about how we can help you seek SSDI benefits when you’re unable to work, contact us by e-mail or call our offices. Our phones are answered 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
