Social Security Disability Helps Injured Working-Age People
As of early June, nearly 2 million working-age Americans have experienced a disabling injury or illness lasting 30 days or longer, according to a new "Disability Counter" created by the Council for Disability Awareness (CDA). The CDA is using the counter to promote awareness about the high rate of disability and illness in people who are below retirement age. According to the Social Security Administration (SSA), one in four people who are currently 20 years old will suffer a disability before turning 67.
When a working-age person sustains a debilitating injury or illness, they suddenly lose the ability to earn an income through work. Fortunately, Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits can aid that person and his family if he meets eligibility requirements that he is "disabled" under the agency's definition. Unfortunately, convincing the SSA that you are "disabled" is not an easy process, as nearly one million people are denied - at least initially - each year.
A rejection or delay in obtaining SSD benefits can have a devastating impact on the injured person and their household. A timely approval of Social Security Disability Insurance benefits can make the difference in important situations such as whether the recipient keeps or loses the family home, or even whether his family will have enough income to afford eating three meals a day.
If Disability or Serious Illness Strikes
If you are a working-age American who has experienced a disability or illness, there are some tips you should follow to help win your Social Security Disability benefits:
- Keep a record of treatment you have received, including names of doctors and hospitals;
- Keep a journal of your symptoms and how they affect your daily life;
- Share all details about your condition, symptoms and difficulties with your physicians, including the severity;
- If you experience depression or anxiety consult the appropriate medical professional, and take prescribed medication;
- Follow your doctor's requests, including referrals, exercises or follow-up appointments. The SSA will note your compliance or noncompliance when assessing your application.
One last, important tip: contact an experienced Social Security Disability benefits advocate to discuss your claim. Statistics show that partnering with an advocate increases the chances of successfully obtaining SSD benefits, while decreasing the time, effort and stress you must face when applying for Social Security benefits.
