Social Security Disability Backlog
The cold, hard truth for over 7,000 people on the social security disability benefits wait list is that it is just too late. With the backlog of benefit appeals and applications topping out at over 1 million, and taking up to 2 years to process, it is estimated that over 7,400 individuals on the wait list never got their day in court – Many suffering deaths related to their illness. While friends and family of some applicants continue to take the court date just for vindication, the harsh reality for their loved one is that the system has failed them.
Social security disability benefits and supplemental security income programs are in place to help individuals that are no longer able to work, or no longer able to continue to work in the same position following an accident or illness. For many individuals, this is a direct result of a work related injury or illness.
The Social Security Application Process
Social security is no picnic. I have seen countless clients suffer through the arduous process, whereby many initial claims are denied in the first round. The following months and even years are filled with overwhelming appeals and heartbreaking delays. For an individual or family, this could most certainly make a large impact on their lives.
It is estimated that about 10.5 million individuals receive benefits from social security, and another 8 million individuals receive benefits from Supplement Security Income – Which is an income based supplement for those that do not qualify for social security. In order for an individual to qualify for benefits, a physician must specify that he or she is unable to work as a result of a long term disability or terminal illness.
The System is Broken
Just five years ago, the average wait time for a benefits claim was under a year. Today, applicants and appeals are facing almost a two year wait. With benefits averaging only about $1,000 a month, it shines light on a very important topic – The necessity of filing a claim for an accident or injury that caused the disability in the first place.
The average honest, hardworking individual may feel a sense of guilt following an injury on the job or a work related accident. Many of my clients believe that if they do the right thing, and follow the workers’ compensation claims process – They will have compensation and social security disability benefits to fall back on. The unfortunate truth is that it simply is not adequate.
Pursuing a workers’ compensation claim for a work related injury, or holding a guilty party accountable following an accident, may be the only true way to adjust to your new ‘normal’ and carry on in life, as much as possible.
If you or someone you love was injured at work or in an accident, or is waiting for their social security disability claims process, you must contact my offices immediately.
I’ll be there for you, and I’ll Make Them Pay!®
Author: Tim Misny | For over four decades, personal injury lawyer Tim Misny has represented the injured victim in in birth injury, medical malpractice, and catastrophic injury/wrongful death cases, serving Cleveland, Akron/Canton, Columbus, Dayton and neighboring communities. You can reach Tim by email at misnylaw.com/ask-tim-a-question/ or call at 877.944.4373.
