Filing for Disability in Illinois
When disability claims are medically reviewed in Illinois, 39.1% are approved — above the national average of 36.5%. 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: 36.5%
Nat'l avg: 38.5%
Nat'l avg: 42.2%
Know Your Numbers
Illinois approves 39.1% of initial disability claims. That’s 2.6 percentage points above the national average of 36.5%. 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
$1,810/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 Illinois vs. the national average. Data covers Feb 2021 – Jul 2026 (monthly).
Illinois's medical approval rate has held steady over this period.
At a Glance — July 2026
Monthly activity and current caseload at the state DDS office
Approval Rate
39.1%
Claims Filed
7,541
Determinations
5,568
Pending Claims
24,681
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
14.6%
Recon Claims Pending
9,511
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.
Chicago
Hearing OfficeChicago · 9 judges · 9.0 months wait · 3,135 pending
approval
Chicago NHC
National Hearing CenterChicago · 12 judges · 11.0 months wait · 1,515 pending
approval
Evanston
Hearing OfficeEvanston · 7 judges · 8.0 months wait · 2,233 pending
approval
Oak Brook
Hearing OfficeOak Brook · 4 judges · 7.0 months wait · 1,131 pending
approval
Orland Park
Hearing OfficeOrland Park · 8 judges · 8.0 months wait · 1,901 pending
approval
Peoria
Hearing OfficePeoria · 5 judges · 7.0 months wait · 1,336 pending
approval
Detailed Breakdown
Initial Rates
- Concurrent
- 23.3%
- Disabled Child
- 56.5%
Reconsideration Rates
- Concurrent
- 11.7%
- Disabled Child
- 15.7%
SSDI Volume
- Claims Reviewed
- 2,347
- Approved
- 1,048
SSI Volume
- Claims Reviewed
- 1,944
- Approved
- 832
SSDI + SSI Combined
- Claims Reviewed
- 1,277
- Approved
- 297
Disabled Child (SSI)
- Claims Reviewed
- 805
- Approved
- 455
Recon Volume
- Claims Reviewed
- 1,490
- Approved
- 217
What to Do Next
Review Illinois'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 Illinois. Start here →
Learn More
Filing for Disability in Illinois?
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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