This month’s data highlight was the release of the 2024 Waterfall Charts. As we noted in our member monthly email, these charts (copied and downloadable below) offer insight into trends in disability determinations and Continuing Disability Redeterminations (CDRs).

While Initial and Reconsideration allowances remained relatively steady compared to previous years, one notable shift occurred at the Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) hearing level. In 2024, the ALJ allowance rate rose to 51%, up from 45% in 2023. This increase suggests a higher percentage of claimants successfully proving their cases at the hearing stage.

Additionally, both Appeals Council and Federal Court remand rates saw slight increases, reinforcing ongoing concerns about SSA’s ability to provide accurate and timely decisions at the earlier stages of the process. These trends highlight the critical need for continued advocacy to ensure fair and efficient adjudication for disability claimants.

This month also saw the publication of Actuarial Note No. 164, Totalization Agreements and Totalized Benefits.