Why You Need a Disability Attorney Now More Than Ever

If you’ve been thinking about applying for Social Security Disability benefits, there’s one number you need to know first: 84%. That’s the percentage of disability claims denied at the reconsideration level in fiscal year 2024, according to the latest SSA workload data.

And that’s just the beginning.

What the Data Tells Us

Let’s compare the numbers from 2023 and 2024 to see how the system has shifted and why those shifts make legal representation a smart move:

Decision Level	2023 Approval Rate	2024 Approval Rate	Change
Initial Applications	39%	38%	-1%
Reconsiderations	15%	16%	+1%
ALJ Hearings	24%	16%	-8%
Appeals Council	13%	16%	+3%
Federal Court	61%	63%	+2%

The ALJ Hearing Drop: A Major Red Flag

Perhaps the most alarming trend is at the Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) hearing level, where approval rates dropped sharply from 24% in 2023 to just 16% in 2024. This is often where claimants finally get the chance to present their case in full and now, even fewer are walking away with a favorable outcome.

So What Changed?

• Increased Denials: Across almost every level, denials remain high or are increasing.

• More Dismissals: At the ALJ level in 2024, dismissals made up 33% of outcomes, meaning many cases are dismissed before they’re even fully heard.

• Rising Complexity: The small shifts in approval rates at higher appeal levels (Appeals Council and Federal Court) suggest success often hinges on legal arguments and procedural precision. These are things that an experienced attorney like those at Bunch Law handles every day.

Why Legal Representation Matters

An experienced disability attorney knows:

• How to frame your case to meet SSA criteria.

• How to gather and present medical evidence effectively.

• When to challenge improper denials and procedural errors.

• How to navigate appeals that require strict timelines and technical filings.

In fact, the chances of winning a case improve significantly with legal representation, especially at the ALJ hearing and federal court levels, where legal arguments and structured evidence carry more weight.

Final Word

With approval rates falling and dismissals on the rise, now is not the time to go it alone. The disability process is not just about telling your story it's about proving your case. And that’s where having an attorney can make all the difference.

If you or a loved one is applying for Social Security Disability, don’t wait.

Call Bunch Law Firm at 256-764-0095 today for a free consultation and put experience on your side.