Newly-disabled, laid-off workers have been seeking access to their social security benefits in droves, but have found that claiming their funds has been more difficult than once thought. As the weakened economy and lost jobs results in an increase in debilitating illnesses, more people are pushing to file applications for benefits. This means, those already in the system are finding that their wait is stretching out even longer.
But this is not the only reason that wait is long. Here are a couple of reasons that social security benefits have been more difficult to claim:
- Problems misdefining disability. As you know, when working with the government, any incorrect information on your application can stall it for weeks or even months. This is what's happening to those who fail to understand the Social Security Administration's strict definition of disability.To be considered disabled, you must be unable to perform any substantial work and have amedical condition that'slasted at least a year.If this isn't true of your condition, you're only prolonging the inevitable rejection and slowing the process for others.
- Waiting too long to apply. Another reason that the process can slow down or not reach completion is because those who qualify sometimes wait too long to file their application. It is said to take an average of 30 to 100 days to either receive an award or denial notification, and another five months for the check to arrive. The longer you wait to apply, the longer you'll have to wait to see your first check.
If you're trying to claim benefits for a truly debilitating illness or injury, the last thing you need is for your funds to take any longer to reach your mailbox or bank account than necessary. So learn the ins and outs of applying for coverage so that the process will run smoothly and your first check can show up when expected.
