Being unable to work and provide for yourself financially is a difficult predicament to be in. While many reasons could place an individual in this unfortunate circumstance, many are in financial trouble because they are currently living with a disability. Whether it is due to an injury, illness or a condition he or she was born with, a disability can often make it challenging to get around, care for yourself or even hold down a job. Thus, many decide to partake in the journey to recover Social Security disability benefits.
Although the Social Security Administration designed the SSD program as a means to provide financial support to those living with disabilities that are unable to work, this does not mean their financial worries have diminished. Even if an applicant is able to draft and file a complete application and wait five months for a decision, an applicant may find that these benefits are simply not enough.
For years, the news and media have been focused on the problems with the SSD programs and the need to improve them. But the question has remained because it is not entirely clear how best to resolve this problem. Some believe the issues lay with the tests used to establish eligibility. It is too difficult for individuals who are clearly disabled to meet these strict standards.
Because only those who are medically determined to be physically or mentally impaired and unable to maintain substantial work activity are considered to meet these standards, there are many who just fall short. And depending on the specific disability suffered, an applicant must have enough medical evidence to support such a finding.
And even when an applicant is able to obtain a favorable decision after their initial filing or appeal, the amount received is often considered to not be enough. These benefits are modest at most, and depending on the standard of life an applicant was used to and the medial bills they are faced with, these benefits can clearly fall short.
While there might be issues with the SSD programs and many what-ifs for applicants, it is important to understand that SSD benefits can be very resourceful and often necessary. Although they may not make a huge difference financially, they can be enough to maintain the basic living needs in your life. Thus, those living with a disability should not overlook their eligibility for these beenfits.
Source: The Washington Post, “Social Security’s benefits need to be improved,” William J. Arnone, Oct. 11, 2017
