Noteboom The Law Firm

Long Wait Times for Disability Applicants a Nationwide Problem

Applicants for Social Security disability typically experience long wait periods, but some areas seem to have particularly excruciating and unacceptable wait times for those in desperate need of disability benefits.

According to KansasCity.com, applicants in Kansas City who applied by the end of 2009 will experience an average wait of about 604 days in order learn the decision on their disability application. Unfortunately, many of those who have already waited so long are likely to discover that they have been denied and must appeal the decision.

Those who appeal a denied disability claim do not have an easy road ahead of them, as 4 in 10 disability applicants are denied benefits even after appearing in front of an SSA judge. Some experts assert that the application and appeal process for applicants is difficult, as many of the questions asked during the interview are very subjective.

Nationally, more than 1 million people who are turned down each year simply give up, choosing to not appeal the SSA's denial. Many of these disabled individuals are left with few, if any, options for income assistance.

In a bit of good news, the SSA recently added 38 conditions to the claim fast-track program known as Compassionate Allowances. While this is a positive step for those with the diseases on the list, there are still millions of other applicants who will continue to wait unacceptable times, both in Kansas City and across the country.

Fort Lauderdale, Florida disability lawyers, LaVan & Neidenberg, represent over 5000 disability claimants. Our disability attorneys have experience with cross examining agency-appointed medical and vocational experts and take time when speaking with you about your disability claim. Call us today at 1-888-234-5758 for a FREE legal consultation. There is NO OBLIGATION to hire our firm and there are NO FEES unless one of our trained disability lawyers wins your case.