Is Social Security Making It Harder to Qualify for Disability Benefits?

For millions of Americans with serious medical conditions, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are a critical lifeline. However, an increasing number of applicants find the path to approval more difficult than ever before. With tighter evaluation criteria, longer administrative backlogs, and changing policy decisions, many claimants ask a simple question: Is Social Security making it harder to qualify for disability benefits? 

At Tabak Law, we see firsthand how these changes affect real people. We believe that everyone deserves clear information about what is happening and why. So, we are committed to providing our clients with the answers they need.

Rising Denial Rates and Administrative Pressure

Recent data from the Social Security Administration (SSA) show that the initial approval rate for disability claims has been declining for several years. According to SSA statistics, approximately two out of every three initial applications are denied. Although denials have always been a common occurrence, advocates and legal experts have noticed that the approval process has become even more restrictive.

Part of this is due to chronic underfunding. The Social Security Administration’s operating budget has not kept up with the volume of claims it receives, resulting in longer processing times and fewer resources for thorough case reviews. This has led to increased pressure on examiners to move through their caseloads quickly, which can lead to borderline cases being more likely to be denied rather than receiving a careful, individualized assessment.

Changes to the Disability Evaluation Process

In recent years, the Social Security Administration (SSA) has made several regulatory changes that affect how disability claims are assessed. One of the most significant changes was the revision of the medical-vocational guidelines and the removal of certain outdated job categories from the Dictionary of Occupational Titles. This has led to the SSA transitioning to new occupational data, which may change how the agency evaluates whether a claimant is able to perform “other work” in the national economy, a crucial factor in the five-step assessment process outlined in 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520.

Additionally, rule changes adopted in 2017 altered the way SSA evaluates medical evidence. The agency no longer automatically gives controlling weight to the opinion of the treating physician under revised regulations. Instead, the agency uses a set of factors including supportability, consistency and the relationship between physician and claimant to assess all medical opinions on equal basis. This change has made it harder for many applicants to rely on their doctor’s assessment as the basis for their claim.

The Impact on Claimants With Mental Health Conditions

Claimants who suffer from mental health conditions have been disproportionately affected by these changes. In 2017, the SSA updated its Listing of Impairments for mental disorders, changing the criteria used to assess conditions such as depression, anxiety, and neurocognitive disorders. Although the SSA claimed these revisions were meant to reflect current medical knowledge, many disability lawyers have noted that the functional criteria have become more demanding in practice, requiring stronger evidence of limitations in areas such as concentration, social interaction, and self-management.

What This Means for Applicants

None of this means that it is impossible to obtain disability benefits. However, it does mean that the importance of submitting a well-prepared application has never been greater. Applicants who submit incomplete medical records, fail to clearly document functional limitations, or fail to understand the Social Security Administration’s current evaluation process, face an uphill struggle from the start.

This is where experienced legal representation can make a significant difference. At Tabak Law, we aim to help clients move from difficulty to hope. We work closely with each individual to create a comprehensive case that covers every aspect considered by the SSA – from medical evidence and expert opinions to vocational considerations and daily functioning.

Do Not Navigate This Process Alone

If you or a loved one has been denied Social Security disability benefits or if you are considering appealing the decision, it is important to understand that the process has become more complex. An experienced advocate can make all the difference in the outcome of your case.

Contact Tabak Law today to schedule a free consultation and find out how we can help you.