Noteboom The Law Firm

Wait Times for Disability Decision Could End in Death

By now, you probably know how strict the state of Delaware is when it comes to granting Social Security disability benefits. Its very low approval rates in most cases have affected many who suffer from various disabilities.

According to Delaware Online, some applicants have been denied benefits for so long that they passed away or got considerably worse before a decision was made. One man fought for benefits for ten years, and just four months before they were finally granted, he died of his conditions.

While of course the Social Security Administration is overwhelmed by the number of applications, and has also had to reduce its staff everywhere, there is simply no reason that people should be dying while waiting for a decision. Having a lawyer from the beginning of the process has an appreciable effect on the length of time it takes to get a decision.

Many of the particularly long wait times occur when a decision is appealed. This means that you might wait several months to get an initial decision, if you're lucky. Then, if your application is denied and you decide to appeal, you could await a hearing for several more months, or even years. Currently, the national average when it comes to wait times for hearings is nearly 500 days.

Clearly, waiting this long has had negative effects on many disabled people, and it could happen to you, as well. Waiting years for a decision is difficult enough when you have very little income, and having a disability makes it much worse. Though many of the worst cases recently publicized occurred in Delaware, the same could happen anywhere. The results often depend on your case details, your case examiner or judge, and whether you have the assistance of a lawyer.

While having a lawyer does not guarantee that your application will be accepted, it can certainly help ensure that all the necessary forms are turned in on time. Fast answers to questions and additional support are also things to expect when you contact a lawyer to help handle your Social Security disability case.

If you or your loved one are suffering from a severe physical or mental disability, you should contact a Social Security Disability lawyer immediately to learn about your rights and determine eligibility. The process of securing Social Security Disability Insurance benefits and/or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) can be difficult and overwhelming. Don't go it alone! The disability lawyers at LaVan & Neidenberg, located in Ft. Lauderdale, FL understand the inner workings of the Social Security Administration and will help you navigate the system. Call us today for a FREE legal consultation - 1-888-234-5758.