Applying for Social Security Disability benefits is often a long and frustrating process. This is particularly true in our current economy and the number of applicants on the increase. In Michigan, Maryland and other states, the number of individuals applying for such disability benefits has risen by approximately 30 percent.
A truck driver suffering from problems concerning the spinal cord did not have his application approved for over two-years. A retail worker suffering from Crohn’s disease with type 1 diabetes complications filed for bankruptcy after a 2 and 1/2 year wait for his application to be processed and approved.
Physicians have also complained about the disability application process. Recent policy changes have meant that doctors are often assigned cases which are not in their area of expertise.
Such policy changes have also been frustrating for doctors that are working within the system of trying to get applicants approved. Because they are being put in a position of approving or disapproving of claims beyond their expertise, this has resulted in some claimants being approved who probably did not meet the criteria for qualification and others failing to be approved that were eligible for such benefits.
Because there are so many unanswered questions concerning who will be qualified to receive such benefits and because the process is complicated and time-consuming, it is highly recommended that an applicant seek assistance from an attorney qualified in the Social Security Disability area to help process their claims. Otherwise, claims may be denied in a seemingly arbitrary manner, and the applicant may not understand his or her rights to appeal.
Source: WBALTV.com, “Social Security Disability Benefits Delayed,” Nov. 23, 2011