WHY DISABILITY BENEFITS ARE DENIED

Social Security is set up to deny as many claims as possible.

Denial is the normal, default response the government makes to a disability claim. Standard issue. Just expect it.

The Social Security disability program is not designed to award benefits - but to DENY them.

If you are under 50 and don't have a catastrophic illness, it's almost a foregone conclusion that you will be deemed "able to perform other work," even if you cannot do your previous work.

So, is there any hope of getting Social Security disability benefits?

YES, but probably not by just filing an application. The application process simply STARTS a long, tedious "dance" which may eventually get you PAID, but much latter on in the process.

The key to getting a monthly disability check in your mailbox (or bank account) is in the APPEAL process, especially at the hearing level. Here's the way most disability claims travel:

1. APPLICATION LEVEL: Very small chance of approval.

2. "RECONSIDERATION": Even smaller chance of approval.

3. HEARING LEVEL: Best chance of approval!

Getting approved is not about filing applications or asking for benefits. It's not about trying to convince someone in the Social Security office that you are disabled. It has to be a well planned, organized path which uses the law (regulations) to prove disability.

Who can plan and execute such a path? Usually, it's an attorney or advocate who understands the complicated Social Security system, it's laws, rules and regulations.

You probably are going to get only ONE hearing for disability in your life! Make the most of it. Get an experienced advocate to prepare and execute your plan--well beyond the application stage.