BE PREPARED: YOU WON'T BELIEVE THE RED TAPE AND DELAYS

Trying for Social Security disability benefits is a real eye opener for most people. It's hard to imagine the government red tape and delays to be faced.

A recent report from the U.S. Government Accountability Office, which is a nonpartisan federal agency, states that close to 110,000 people died waiting on an appeal after being initially denied for Social Security disability benefits between 2008 and 2019.

Also disturbing, 50,000 claimants filed for bankruptcy while waiting on their claim to be decided between 2014 and 2019.

While the Office of Hearings Operations (OHO)--the hearing office--have greatly reduced their wait time, the total time to have a claim decided can still easily be over 1 year. If you live in Tennessee, you can easily wait a year just for the initial decision, then spent another year or longer in the "reconsideration" process. We aren't sure why Tennessee is so messed up in comparison to Alabama or other states.

Do lawyers or representatives instantly cut through the red tape and bring quick success? No, the truth is they do not. Your attorney is a valuable asset as you try to get approved. He or she may prevent unnecessary delays and may save you time and heartache by making sure deadlines are met and your claim or appeal is filed correctly. But under the best of circumstances, it can take too long.

At the end of the process, my clients will often say something like, "I can't imagine going through this mess on my own."

Keep in mind that you are going to deal with the government and the government doesn't make anything simple or easy. You are going to be dealing with forms, questionnaires, evaluations, medical appointments, possibly psychological consultations, and probably a hearing before a federal administrative law judge. The advice that most judges give: "GET A LAWYER."

Unfortunately, there is no temporary benefit available from the federal government while you wait on Social Security to process the forms and make up its mind. On top of that, short term disability (lasting less than 12 straight months) is not even covered by Social Security. Therefore, I strongly urge workers to enroll in short term AND long term disability benefits at their workplace. This insurance can help keep you afloat financially while you wait on Social Security, and may even pay benefits after you are approved for Social Security benefits. And if you never get approved by Social Security (it happens), the long term disability policy from your former employer will be a life saver.

INSURE YOURSELF NOW. SOCIAL SECURITY MAY BE TOO LITTLE, TOO LATE.