This may sound hyperbolic and surprising, but about 25 percent of today’s 20-year-olds will suffer some sort of disability before they reach retirement age. As a result, they may be forced to take fewer shifts at work or to leave the workforce completely. That puts an obvious financial strain on the individual, as well as a huge burden on them physically and emotionally.
Some of the people who suffer these disabilities may be better off than others. They may be able to work around their disability, or they may have other financial security that helps them get by. But for many people who live with a disability, Social Security disability benefits are their way of dealing with the financial pressures that come with being unable to work.
Many people who apply for Social Security disability benefits are, sadly, rejected. The process has become quite a machine, and we don’t mean that in a good way. It is unwieldy and cumbersome. The application process can take years to go through, simply because Social Security takes a long time to finalize. The process can become even longer if your application is denied and you file an appeal.
All of this may make you discouraged about applying for Social Security disability benefits, but we mean this only as a warning. You should be aware that the process can be frustrating, and that a denial of your application is likely. However, you can move forward with confidence knowing that these hurdles exist. You and your SSD attorney can craft your appeal and hopefully earn you the Social Security disability benefits you deserve.
Source: AARP, “Understanding the Different Kinds of Social Security Benefits,” Stan Hinden, May 13, 2014
