Why do people have problems applying for SSI?

Question

I recentlty had to apply for SSI/Disability and did so about 3 months ago. My case worker said I had 0 errors on my application and it was the first time she had ever seen that. I hear of stories where people get denied, go through appeals, have to hire attornies and this is years later for the same situation as myself. I heard today I was approved and will take 30 days to get money but it has only been 3 months. I find it hard to believe that it is so hard for some people in the same boat I am. Why is it hard? What are the denial reasons people get?

Everyone has such good and sad points. I appreciate it. I just though I would add so you don't think I had a frivalous claim, I have Multiple Sclerosis and every symptom and aggrivation that goes along with it. Thank you all. it'll be hard to choose a best answer!

Answer 1

I was diagnosed with MS May '05. I applied for SSI last October, and was approved for Presumptive Disability. I received 3 checks, then they denied me. I appealed, and was denied again. Now I am on the third appeal. I hired a retired Social Security representative, and will be going before an administrative law judge within the next 2 months. He told me that was just the way it was. So many people get denied the first time, and never appeal, that Social Security tries its best to screw you. But they will have to keep hearing my case until I exhaust all options. But hopefully I can win this damn case!

Answer 2

My daughter is on SSI because she was bron 3 months prematurely and then later on developed mental and physical disabilities. It took almost no time for her to get approved, but then we have to jump through hoops every couple of years to prove she's still eligible.

While my step-father claims to have arthritis, had a few senators push his case through, and gets lots of money from the government every month, with no questions asked. He does have a touch of arthritis, but still does PLENTY. He isn't disabled at all. It's only in his toes, and he could easily find a sitting down job. But you wouldn't believe the kind of stuff this man does everyday. I want so badly to videotape him and send it to the SSA. : )

People like him are the reason some people have a hard time getting benefits. My biological father worked for 20 years with no legs at all, after an industrial accident. But someone with a pain in their big toe has to have the taxpayers pay his salary so he can run around and have fun all day. People like my daughter have problems staying on SSI even though we need it to survive and pay for her care. It's not fair but I dont know what can be done about it.

The individual case-worker has a lot to do with it as well. We had one bad one that kept losing our paperwork, took 3 week vacations so that we went two to three months in between checks, and we finally had to beg for a new worker.

I don't think the government should just be handing out money, but the way I see it, this is money that my grandparents and parents have paid that they'll never see again. SOMEbody in the family deserves to get it back.

Answer 3

People are often denied because the Social Security Administration (SSA) does not think they are disabled or disabled enough. In the case of SSI people can get denied because their resources are too high. Most people do get denied the first time they apply for SSI and/or SSD, and the appeals process can take YEARS!! Some people get approved right away. Sometimes, the SSA thinks someone is going to get approved so they give them expedited benefits. This is when you are not yet100% approved but they think you will be in the future. If this happens they will put you into pay in anticipation of your approval. TO keep your benefits it is important that you return all documents that the SSA ,or the state agency that actually makes your disability decision, sends to you ....ASAP. It is also important to notify the SSA of any wages you earn, if you get married or divorced, if you go to jail (which I am sure you won't do), if you get an inheritance, or if you move.

Answer 4

One of the major problems in this country 'period' when trying to collect for anything is PROVING YOU DESERVE IT/NEED IT. My sister had four strokes, was an oncologist head nurse for 20 years and had to hire an attorney to prove she needed disability. She can't talk, has developed lupus, must have chemotherapy, and has trouble walking. I am happy for you, but unfortunately, people who misuse our system are the reason that the ones who really need the support are unable to get it. She was denied because they looked at her and she "appeared" to be able-bodied. When she opened her mouth and was unable to get the words out without stampering, studdering, spitting all over the place and embarrassing herself, then they realized - if you can't communicate on a job - what kind of job can you work?