Is It Easy To Get Social Security Disability Benefits?

The Social Security Administration (SSA) would like claimants to believe that applying for and obtaining Social Security disability benefits is easy. If you have gone into a SSA office, most likely you have heard or seen one of the following:

1. The representative at the window counter say, "Applying for disability benefits is easy, you can do it online from the comfort of your home without any trouble."

2. Viewed the "Boldly Go" poster on the wall.

3. Viewed documents that say "Applying for benefits is easy."

In reality, obtaining Social Security disability benefits is a very difficult process. If it were so easy, then why are over 70% of those who apply for disability benefits denied? I would also like to know if it is so easy why on a daily basis people suffering from deadly conditions like cancer, AIDS, and severe heart problems are continuously rejected?

Social Security disability benefits are supposed to be the ultimate safety-net for people who have paid into the system and are no longer able to work due to a mental or physical condition. There are numerous disability attorneys whose sole practice is to help people get the benefits that they deserve and they often struggle throughout the process. The process is not easy!

Since the application process can be a challenge, it is important to do your part by making sure there are no unnecessary road blocks along the way. When SSA requests documents from you, make sure to fully complete the forms and send them in as quickly as possible. Keep copies of all of your correspondence. Every so often make sure to call the Administration and ask how your claim is doing and if there is anything you can do to help move the case along. This sometimes can insure that your case does not get lost among the thousands of other benefits claims. Above all, stay active throughout the process and notify SSA any time you have a change of address, phone number, or need to update your medical information.

Although applying for and obtaining Social Security disability benefits is going to be a challenge that does not mean that you will be unable to win your claim for benefits. If you stay on top of your case, you might be able to win right off of the application. If you are denied, there is an appeals process that you can go through to keep your case going and hopefully win at one of the later stages in the process. By being aware that the process is not easy, hopefully you will be prepared for any curve balls they throw your way.

Aaron Rifkind is a writer and lawyer for Social Security Defenders LLC, who enjoys offering informational resources to the public. For more information on Ticket to Work or any Social Security disability benefits questions, feel free to contact Social Security Defenders http://www.socialsecuritydefenders.com.