WHY SOCIAL SECURITY IS SO CONVOLUTED

Getting Social Security disability was never meant to be this complicated. But things have changed.

Funding for Social Security disability is dwindling as the demand for benefits increases. "Social Security slowly going broke," is not a myth. Because finances are tight, Social Security tries to weed out as many new applications as they can. Their main goal is not to approve new claimants, it is to weed out new claimants. It's like a sinking ship that is still taking on water. They want to plug up the leaks, no matter who it hurts.

To start with, they have a very narrow definition of disability. It's not enough that you can't work. It's not enough that you can't do your last job. You have to be unable to do any job, of any type. And your disability has to last for 12 months or more. And you must have objective medical evidence to prove your case.

The thing I hear most often by persons who have tried to get disability benefits is: "It isn't fair."

Do not expect Social Security to be fair. Expect them to pay your claim only after you have proven your case beyond any reasonable doubt. You will be dealing with confusing forms, tons of complicated regulations, and the thickest government red tape you've ever seen! Take your lawyer who knows the process and the rules. You don't win cases by expecting the government to be fair.

If you go to court unrepresented, you are not playing on a level field. The judge is an experienced professional. The vocational witness whom Social Security has called in is an experienced professional. They may also call in a medical witness--a doctor--who is also a seasoned professional. If you go up against these well trained experts alone and unrepresented,you won't know what hit you. Take someone with you who knows what you're up against, and who knows how to prepare for it!