# Social Security Disability News and Reports ## [2025 Social Security COLA Increase](https://www.atticus.com/advice/general/2025-social-security-cola-increase) By Sarah Aitchison | Attorney Every year, the Social Security Administration (SSA) adjusts its benefits value to account for inflation and changes in the cost of living. ## [Average Social Security Disability Benefits By State](https://www.atticus.com/advice/general/average-disability-benefit-by-state) By Derek Silva | Data Journalist and Content Lead The latest SSA data shows the average monthly SSDI benefit is $1,630 for disabled workers. That average is well below the maximum possible benefit, which is $4,152 in 2026. ## [Social Security Disability Judge Approval Rates 2018-2024](https://www.atticus.com/advice/disability-news-reports/social-security-disability-judge-approval-data) By Derek Silva | Data Journalist and Content Lead Social Security disability hearings are a normal part of the process if you're applying for SSDI or SSI. ## [Social Security Disability Hearing Wait Times in 2025](https://www.atticus.com/advice/disability-news-reports/social-security-disability-hearing-wait-time-data) By Derek Silva | Data Journalist and Content Lead In 2025, Social Security disability hearings happen at one of 167 offices across the country. The average wait time varies significantly based on where you live. ## [Early Retirement vs. SSDI — Which Is Worth More?](https://www.atticus.com/advice/general/ssdi-vs-early-retirement-benefits) By Sarah Aitchison | Attorney Social Security retirement benefits are the primary source of income for most retirees, but anyone born in 1960 or later can only receive full benefits if they work until age 67. ## [Social Security Disability Approval Rates by State and Hearing Office](https://www.atticus.com/advice/general/social-security-disability-approval-rates-by-state) By Derek Silva | Data Journalist and Content Lead Applying for either Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a challenging and long process. Nationally, only about 35% of initial applications were approved in 2022. ## [How Long Does a Disability Appeal Take in 2024?](https://www.atticus.com/advice/disability-application-process/how-long-does-a-disability-appeal-take) By Derek Silva | Data Journalist and Content Lead About 70% of initial SSDI and SSI applications are denied, but don’t give up because you can appeal the denial. ## [Are Disability Benefits Enough to Live on? Here's Where SSDI + SSI Go the Farthest](https://www.atticus.com/advice/general/are-disability-benefits-actually-enough-to-live-on-atticus) By Derek Silva | Data Journalist and Content Lead Atticus found that benefits are never worth enough to cover someone’s living expenses. In fact, there are only three states where the average disability benefit is worth enough to cover even half of the cost of living. ## [Social Security Disability Judge Approval Rates in 2022](https://www.atticus.com/advice/general/social-security-disability-judge-approval-rates) By Derek Silva | Data Journalist and Content Lead Atticus looked through every Social Security disability decision in 2022 and ran the numbers on each of the 1,300 judges to find their approval and denial rates. ## [Disability Rights in the Gig Economy — Everything You Need to Know](https://www.atticus.com/advice/general/disability-rights-in-the-gig-economy-everything-you-need-to-know) By Jackie Jakab | Lead Attorney One modern sector has changed the game for flexible working around the world — the gig economy. What does this mean for those who apply for, or receive, SSDI/SSI? ## [The Most Disability-Friendly Cities in the U.S. (and the Ones to Avoid)](https://www.atticus.com/advice/general/the-most-disability-friendly-cities-in-the-u-s-and-the-ones-to-avoid) By Jackie Jakab | Lead Attorney Although some locations still lag when it comes to accessibility, some cities in America are doing things right for people with disabilities. ## [Happy and Healthy: The Best Accessible Sports for People With Disabilities](https://www.atticus.com/advice/general/happy-and-healthy-the-best-accessible-sports-for-people-with-disabilities) By Sarah Aitchison | Attorney We’ve highlighted some of the most popular accessible sports in the U.S., including team and individual options, so you can fall in love with the activity that suits you best. ## [Unveiling SSDI Knowledge: Insights From Americans With Disabilities](https://www.atticus.com/advice/general/unveiling-ssdi-knowledge-insights-from-americans-with-disabilities) By Sarah Aitchison | Attorney We conducted a comprehensive survey of 1,003 Americans with disabilities to gauge their knowledge of SSDI. How well do applicants understand the SSDI rules, process, and eligibility? ## [Unmasking Financial Struggles: Insights on Diverse Challenges Americans Face](https://www.atticus.com/advice/general/unmasking-financial-struggles-insights-on-diverse-challenges-americans-face) By Sarah Aitchison | Attorney To better understand how people with financial hardships and unique challenges manage their finances, we surveyed 1,000 Americans from diverse backgrounds. ## [Perceptions of AI-Driven Social Security Fraud](https://www.atticus.com/advice/general/perceptions-of-ai-driven-social-security-fraud-atticus) By Sarah Aitchison | Attorney Do Americans understand the risk of AI-driven scams targeting Social Security beneficiaries? This study reveals their security challenges and how to defend against these threats.