The Decision: Possible Outcomes and What They Mean for Your Case

Following the conclusion of Social Security Disability hearing, majority of judges will take the case “under advisement.” What this means is the judge wants the opportunity to review your medical records as well as your testimony given at your hearing before they make their final decision regarding whether you are disabled or not. Overall, there are three possible outcomes you can receive once you get your decision: 1) fully favorable decision, 2) partially favorable decision, and 3) unfavorable decision. If you have received a fully favorable decision this means that you have been awarded the full benefits which you applied for! You will receive any possible back pay you may be eligible for as well ongoing monthly benefits. Obviously, this is the best possible outcome in any case. If you have been awarded a partially favorable decision, this means the judge has found you disabled, however the judge found you disabled as of a different date than the date you alleged in your application. For example, the judge may find an individual disabled as of their 50^th birthday even though they were alleging that they became disabled before that date. This would mean that person would be entitled to any back pay as of their 50^th birthday (if any) as well as ongoing monthly benefits. Additionally, a partially favorable decision could award you a closed period of benefits. A closed period award means the judge found the individual disabled during a specific period of time. For example, a judge could find that an individual was disabled from 01/01/21 through 03/01/22 after reviewing their case. This would mean that they would only be entitled to payment during that period of time, and they would not be eligible for ongoing monthly benefits. Finally, if an individual receives an unfavorable decision that means the judge has found you not disabled under the Social Security Disability regulations. If you are denied, there are several options including appealing the decision or refiling. Overall, you should speak with your attorney regarding what option may be best in your specific case.