Research Studies
What the Data Shows
We analyze public Social Security Administration data to give claimants a clear picture of what's actually happening in the SSDI system.
The SSDI Approval Lottery: How Much Your State Matters
SSDI is a federal program with uniform rules — but approval rates vary by nearly 40 percentage points between states. Oklahoma approves just 30.8% of claims. Kansas approves 54.9%. We analyzed every initial determination in FY2022 to show exactly how much geography shapes your outcome.
38.7% national rate
1M+ people denied
39.8pt state spread
All 50 states ranked
Read the full study →
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Coming Soon
20 Years of SSDI Denials: How Approval Rates Have Changed Since 2001
We're tracking how initial approval rates have shifted across every state over two decades of SSA data — and which states have gotten dramatically harder or easier over time.
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Coming Soon
The Appeal Gap: What Happens After the Initial Denial
Initial denial rates tell only part of the story. This study will compare ALJ hearing outcomes by state and show how much the odds shift at the reconsideration and hearing levels.
Denied in a Hard State?
Data shows where you live matters — but an appeal can change your outcome. Get a free review from a disability advocate.
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