Suffering an unexpected illness or injury can be difficult. For most residents in Florida, such a situation can present many challenges, especially if the injury or illness requires much medical attention and recovery time. As a result, these individuals are unable to work due to a disability. Thus, their answer is to apply for Social Security disability benefits as a means to offset the financial hardships caused by a disabling injury or illness.
Applying for SSD benefits is not like applying for other government assistance programs, although many portray it that way. This processes is often lengthy and it requires applicants to be very involved in the process. The information and documentation is not only extensive and detailed, it often makes the application process very invasive. However, if applications seek to enjoy these benefits, he or she must be willing to put him or herself out there.
But even after going into great detail and taking the time to answer all questions, provide all asked information and include all necessary documentation, SSD applications can still be denied. This is a frustration situation because it often takes months to hear this unfavorable news. Nonetheless, applicants are afforded the option to file for reconsideration and an appeal.
There is room for errors in this process, and applicants and workers in the SSA can make these mistakes. Thus, there is a built in process to catch these errors as a means to get applicants the benefits and rights they deserve. Because the SSA only gives 60 days to file an appeal after a decision was made, it is important that applicants take this situation seriously. It can be difficult and frustrating to receive bad news; however, this alone should not deter applicants from making the right choice when it comes to filing an appeal.
Because it can take months to hear an initial decision, applicants often do not want to enter another lengthy process to possibly hear another unfavorable decision. But it is important to note that most initial applications are denied, which makes the appeals process even more crucial. If a denial has been issued, it is imperative to understand why a denial occurred. These details are the answer to moving forward with an appeal and understanding how an applicant can make it successful.
The SSD benefits process is known to be lengthy and stressful, but this should not stop individuals from seeking the benefits that they need. If you are considering SSD benefits or are in the middle of the application or appeals process, it is important to understand your rights and options.
Source: Shiftfrequency.com, “Denied Social Security Disability Benefits? Here’s What You Can Do,” June 10, 2017
