Qualifying for Social Security disability benefits is a very difficult goal to achieve. As pessimistic as that sounds, we certainly aren’t advocating people living with serious disabilities that prevent them from working to just forgo their Social Security disability prospects. Instead, we simply want to remind those who are in a serious situation to realize that obtaining such benefits is not very likely.
For example, last year only about one-third of Social Security disability insurance applicants were approved for benefits. The figures were 885,000 out of 2.65 million applicants. So why is the acceptance rate so low, and how can someone living with a serious disability increase their chances of obtaining the benefits?
To answer the first part of that question, what everyone needs to realize is that the Social Security system is complex and sprawling. There are many rules and regulations, and every case is a little different. Even though there are minimum requirements for applying, there can be complicating factors even if such base requirements are met.
If you are rejected by the Social Security Administration, you can appeal the decision. It is best to consult an attorney before doing so to ensure that you are going about your appeal in the right way, and to ensure that your paperwork is correct and in order.
In fact, this is good advice from the beginning for Social Security disability applicants. Having legal counsel in your corner is the best way to maximize your application and, thus, maximize your chances of getting the benefits you need.
Source: Huffington Post, “Who Qualifies for Social Security Disability Benefits?,” Carrie Schwab-Pomerantz, June 24, 2014
