Whether you are thinking of applying for Social Security Disability benefits for the first time or have been denied benefits it’s a good idea to consider hiring a local, Sacramento/Stockton Social Security Disability attorney. In 2014 Social Security received 2,485,077 applications for disability benefits. In 2014, Social Security approved 22.4% of all initial SSDI and SSI applications. https://www.ssa.gov/policy/docs/statcomps/di_asr/2011/sect04.html At the Sacramento Office of Adjudication and Review the approval rate at the Administrative Law Judge hearing level is 50%. The approval rate varies greatly by judge with approval rates ranging from 25% – 64%. As you can see the Social Security Disability process is long and challenging. If you aren’t approved on your initial application you should appeal the decision. A good, local Social Security Disability attorney will help you prepare your case by collecting relevant medical evidence, meet with you to prepare for your hearing with the judge and represent your case to the judge in a clear, concise and compelling manner. Not only can an attorney help you to win your case but an experienced attorney can also help increase the amount of your back pay by arguing the earliest possible onset date.