Filing for Disability in District of Columbia
When disability claims are medically reviewed in District of Columbia, 29.6% are approved — below the national average of 37.0%. This rate measures how often claims are approved at medical review, not all applications filed.
Your Chances at the Initial Level
Medical approval rate = allowances / completed medical determinations at DDS.
Nat'l avg: 37.0%
Nat'l avg: 38.9%
Nat'l avg: 42.3%
Know Your Numbers
District of Columbia approves 29.6% of initial disability claims. That’s 7.4 percentage points below the national average of 37.0%. Understanding your state’s data before you file helps you prepare.
Get your free personalized Approval Guide with your local approval data, condition context, and next-step guidance.
Get Your Free GuideWhat You Could Receive
National payment amounts by program. Individual amounts vary based on earnings history and state supplements.
Avg New SSDI Award
$1,824/mo
Max SSDI Benefit
$4,152/mo
SSI Individual Rate
$994/mo
SSI Couple Rate
$1,491/mo
SSDI amounts based on your earnings record. SSI is the 2026 federal rate; some states add a supplement. How benefits are calculated →
Medical Approval Rate Over Time
Monthly medical approval rates (allowances / determinations at DDS) for District of Columbia vs. the national average. Data covers Feb 2021 – Mar 2026 (monthly).
District of Columbia's medical approval rate has risen from 23.8% to 29.6% over this period.
At a Glance — March 2026
Monthly activity and current caseload at the state DDS office
Approval Rate
29.6%
Claims Filed
423
Determinations
439
Pending Claims
1,957
If Your Claim Is Denied
Reconsideration
If your initial claim is denied, you can request reconsideration — a new review by a different examiner. Is reconsideration worth it? →
Recon Approval Rate
12.6%
Recon Claims Pending
467
Hearing
If reconsideration is also denied, your case goes to a hearing. Hearing office assignment is based on your ZIP code, not state lines — some residents may be assigned to an office in a neighboring state.
Detailed Breakdown
Initial Rates
- Concurrent
- 19.4%
- Disabled Child
- 39.7%
Reconsideration Rates
- Concurrent
- 16.7%
- Disabled Child
- 0.0%
SSDI Volume
- Claims Reviewed
- 107
- Approved
- 34
SSI Volume
- Claims Reviewed
- 198
- Approved
- 70
SSDI + SSI Combined
- Claims Reviewed
- 134
- Approved
- 26
Disabled Child (SSI)
- Claims Reviewed
- 78
- Approved
- 31
Recon Volume
- Claims Reviewed
- 103
- Approved
- 13
What to Do Next
Review District of Columbia's medical approval rates above to understand how your state compares.
Gather your medical records, treatment notes, and any test results that document your condition. See our evidence guide →
Get a free case review — we can connect you with a disability advocate who handles claims in District of Columbia. Start here →
Learn More
Filing for Disability in District of Columbia?
Claimants who understand their state’s approval data and process are better prepared. Get a free, personalized Approval Guide with your state’s rates, local offices, and a documentation checklist.
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