WHY YOU CAN'T TRUST SOCIAL SECURITY DISABIILTY

When a system denies 72 percent of all applications, it is not to be trusted.  Applying for Social Security disability then just trusting them to do the right thing will lead to trouble--for you.  

Of the 72 percent of disability claims that initially get denied, about one-half of them will be approved when a judge looks at the case individually.  This is especially true if an attorney or professional advocate appears at the hearing on behalf of the claimant.  I believe this clearly suggests that at least one-half of the claims that got denied were mistakes on the part of Social Security.  

A national study by a major research organization concluded that up to 60 percent of all denied claims could have been approved if they had been reviewed by a different examiner.  This suggests that up to 60 percent of denials were mistakes on Social Security's part.

So, a federal administrative law judge reviews your case and corrects the mistakes.  What's the problem?

The problem is that it takes months or years to get a denied case reviewed and approved.  The hearing can take an additional 12 months to schedule.  If the hearing is not successful, the next appeal will take an additional 12 to 14 months.  I've seen truly disabled claimants wait 2 or 3 years to get benefits that should have been paid in 3 months.

Too many individuals seem to believe that once Social Security has denied their claim, they must not be eligible after all, and they just quit.  This is a mistake.  I realize the process is trying and frustrating.  But persistence is the key to success with Social Security disability.  And before you become worn down by the difficult process, consider getting an advocate to stand between you and the Government.