Filing for Disability in Puerto Rico
When disability claims are medically reviewed in Puerto Rico, 40.9% are approved — above the national average of 36.7%. This rate measures how often claims are approved at medical review, not all applications filed.
In prototype states, denied claims skip reconsideration and go directly to a hearing. The 10 prototype states are: Alabama, Alaska, California, Colorado, Louisiana, Michigan, Missouri, New Hampshire, New York, and Pennsylvania. Learn how prototype states differ →
Your Chances at the Initial Level
Medical approval rate = allowances / completed medical determinations at DDS.
Nat'l avg: 36.7%
Nat'l avg: 38.7%
Nat'l avg: 42.1%
Know Your Numbers
Puerto Rico approves 40.9% of initial disability claims. That’s 4.2 percentage points above the national average of 36.7%. 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
$1,821/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 Puerto Rico vs. the national average. Data covers Feb 2021 – Feb 2026 (monthly).
Puerto Rico's medical approval rate has fallen from 42.9% to 40.9% over this period.
At a Glance — February 2026
Monthly activity and current caseload at the state DDS office
Approval Rate
40.9%
Claims Filed
789
Determinations
893
Pending Claims
2,851
If Your Claim Is Denied
Hearing
In prototype states, denied claims skip reconsideration and go directly 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
- 0.0%
- Disabled Child
- 0.0%
SSDI Volume
- Claims Reviewed
- 893
- Approved
- 365
SSI Volume
- Claims Reviewed
- 0
- Approved
- 0
SSDI + SSI Combined
- Claims Reviewed
- 0
- Approved
- 0
Disabled Child (SSI)
- Claims Reviewed
- 0
- Approved
- 0
What to Do Next
Review Puerto Rico'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 →
Consider getting a free case review from a disability advocate who knows your state's process.
Learn More
Filing for Disability in Puerto Rico?
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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