SSDI in Memphis by the Numbers
If you’re in Shelby County and dealing with a disability that keeps you from working, you’re probably wondering if it’s hard to get SSDI in Memphis.
The honest answer: It depends on your qualifications. However, the data can tell us a lot about what to expect when you apply.
A Common Solution for Any Worker with a Disability
SSDI helps approximately 8.2 million Americans supplement their income. It works as an insurance program, so you have to pay into it first through your employment taxes. As a result, your SSDI application (and how much you can claim) depends on your work history, age, disability status, and more.
Geographically, it doesn’t really make a difference whether or not you live in Memphis. Some regions may have a little longer wait time than others because of staffing issues, but since it’s a federal program, the actual rates of acceptance don’t depend on where you live.
According to a recent CDPP report, most recipients are between 35-65, with the majority of recipients 50+ years old. This makes sense, since older Americans are more likely to experience disability and also have more work hours for which they’ve paid SSDI taxes.
Did More People Get SSDI in the Past?
The SSDI system has always been a little complicated, but it generally reflects the population. The last few decades show this well.
In recent years — especially between the 1990s and early 2010s, the number of SSDI recipients increased by a lot. And since then, the numbers have declined. Some people argue this shows that getting SSDI approval was easier in the past, but that’s not really the case.
Instead, experts say this influx happened because the workforce changed so much in the late 20th century. For example:
- Baby boomers, who made up a huge part of the workforce, began to experience age-induced disabilities at around the same time as each other.
- More women joined the workforce in the 70s-90s, which made them eligible for the first time.
- In 1983, the retirement age increased to 66, which kept people in the workforce for longer.
So the numbers can ebb and flow, and each situation is totally different. Instead of thinking about whether it’s hard to get SSDI, I would ask whether you qualify and need it. If so, you should certainly take advantage of this powerful option that you’ve already paid for.
Get SSDI in Memphis: What to Expect
Our Memphis SSDI attorneys realize the application process can feel overwhelming at first.
To help, I’ve written a free report all about what to expect called “An Honest Guide to Disability.” This report outlines everything you need to know for the initial application, including:
- how you can tell if you qualify
- the most common reasons for denial
- how to put together the strongest application you can
That said, the SSA actually denies the majority of claims—even if you qualify!
If you do get a denial, don’t stop there. You have 60 days to appeal, and we can help.
Our attorneys will help you fix any problems in your initial application. We strengthen your claim and include additional evidence as necessary, and we defend you at your appeals hearing. What’s more, we don’t get paid anything unless you win—and even then, it’s just a fraction of your past benefits. You keep every future dollar that comes in.
To get started, you can contact us at 901-327-2100 or fill out the form on this page.
We look forward to helping you get SSDI in Memphis!