The Complexities of the Lengthy Social Security Disability Process

…And how a Social Security Disability Lawyer can help

If you succumbed to medical conditions that resulted to crippling effects and/or acquired injuries that caused you disabilities, it may be the time to contact the Social Security Administration and know about Social Security Disability benefits application.

After you have filed your disability application, however, do not expect that everything will just fall into place and you will begin receiving benefits in just a matter of weeks.

It is very likely that you may have to muster some enduring patience before you finally receive benefits because in the United States, the disability benefits system does not work as promptly as you would expect it to.

Contrary to your expectations, in reality the system is profoundly bureaucratic and equally slow in make decisions concerning applications. Sadly, the system is not designed to be just and compassionate to your financial or medical/health conditions.

Here are several things you have to understand so that you could make allowances for yourself and at the same time provide you with other options concerning you condition. By understanding the truth and the complexities about the social security disability system, you may be able to arrive at the finest decisions later on.

• From the start of having disability and having filed for SSD or SSI benefits, understand that the process of approval takes a very, very long time.

It is a fact that your first or "initial phase" application for SSD or SSI could be denied. There is nothing wrong with that, though. And do not start to feel as if you do not deserve to receive disability benefits. It is just the way the SSD system works.

• Once your initial claim is not approved, then you must not give up that easily or be disheartened. If you felt disappointment at the government, this reaction is perfectly understandable.

You just have to surpass the appeals process and petition your application. In some states, the process of SSD benefits appeals could take years – some cases even dragging on for three years.

• Each step takes the following period before you get an official reply/decision:

- initial application or claim – a month up to one year (in some cases)
- Middle phase or reconsideration stage – this is similar to the application phase and in some cases, just as long. Mostly, it could take several months.

- For those who still got denials during the reconsideration process, they can go through the stage of disability hearing before a federal judge. If you feel you have waited too long before, this process is really the ultimate waiting period.

- Disability hearings could take a year before you get a scheduled date. After the hearing, you will again have to wait for the judge's decision notice. This could take months.

- Once you get a decision, you still have many odds in being granted SSD or SSI benefits.

Knowing these complexities and lengthy periods of processing, you could now prepare yourself for a long wait and in the mean time make good decisions about your financial, housing and medical conditions.

A Social Security Disability lawyer can explain to you in detail the SSD system before you file an application. Make it a point to retain someone experienced, who can help you follow up on your application by being more compassionate in expediting approval for your application.