Long waits for Social Security Disability (SSD) are heartbreaking. Many people literally pass away while awaiting approval for the disability benefits they need. During this time, they struggle to live. Some go without the care they need.
In one story, a man reported waiting 597 days for his disability approval. He headed to the SSD hearing after taking 15 different medications. The 55-year-old man used crutches to walk. He brought with him a list of all the medications he took for pain, depression and disability.
In this case, he’d applied as far back as May 21, 2015. The initial disability application was denied, leading to his appeal. It took nearly two years to obtain a hearing date. He’s not the only one who has had to wait.
In 2015 and 2016, 18,701 people died while awaiting the outcome of their SSD applications. The rising number of deaths is directly related to longer wait times, which hit a high in 2017 of 596 days.
Long waits like this aren’t uncommon today, either. If you’re planning to apply for SSD, you need to make sure your first application is correct. That way, you can avoid having to appeal a rejection, which could take many months longer than the initial process.
While it’s possible to fill out the paperwork and submit it on your own, it’s a good idea to have a professional review it. A single mistake could mean it will take years to get an approval, something no one should have to struggle with. Our site has more on how to apply and obtain disability insurance.
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