Spike in disability claims clogs overloaded system

Posted on May 11, 2010

Currently around 2 million people are waiting to find out if they qualify for Social Security Disability and it will be a long wait for most, even if they eventually win their cases because the Social Security system is so overwhelmed by applications for disability benefits that many people are waiting more than two years for their first payment.

The Social Security Administration has been swamped with applications due to the economic recession. Claims typically increase in a bad economy because many people who worked despite their disabilities get laid off and apply for benefits.

About 3.3 million people are expected to apply for benefits this year. That's 300,000 more than last year and 700,000 more than in 2008. Nearly two-thirds of those claims will be denied by state agencies overseen by the Social Security Administration. Most of these people will drop their claims. But for those willing go through an appeals process that can take two years or more, chances are good they eventually will get benefits.

In order to qualify for disability benefits a doctor must determine that a disability is severe enough to interfere with an applicant's ability to work. If applicants can't perform their old jobs, officials see if they can adapt to new ones. The system is designed to weed out malingerers.

If you have been denied Social Security Disability Benefits contact a social security attorney. The disability attorney at Rutter Mills has years of practice and will help get you the social security benefits you deserve.