WHY SOCIAL SECURITY IS SUCH AN ORDEAL

Ordeal is the word we most often hear to describe the Social Security disability process. Applicants face forms, questionnaires, screening, examinations, delays, hearings, red tape and more waiting. Since the COVID "crisis," it is taking up to a year to get a decision on a disability application (not always, but sometimes).

Why is this process an ordeal? Several reasons.

1. It was designed to be an ordeal. Social Security started its disability program in 1956. Obviously, it couldn't afford too many people receiving disability benefits. It was consciously decided to make the application process an "ordeal" to weed out claimants. It was never meant to be easy or simple.

2. Social Security is going broke. At least, that's the political comprehension. Experts say that if something isn't done, the entire administration will be unable to continuing paying full benefits to present-day beneficiaries starting in 2034. (That's right, just 13 years from now). Therefore, decision makers have no incentive to put new beneficiaries on disability. Just the opposite, there seems to be a prejudice for denying anyone who doesn't have a totally obvious case.

3. "When in doubt, let someone else sort it out." There are cases where disability may not be obvious. The case might go either way (deny or approve), based on the decision maker's call. These cases are nearly always denied.

4. Social Security, in all its forms and manifestations, is under-funded, under-staffed and over worked. The Congress simply doesn't allocate enough funding for a smooth, efficient operation to handle today's tremendous demands.

5. The COVID "crisis" has closed Social Security field offices, hearing offices and other facilities. If you thought the agency was slow before......!

It is still possible to file a claim an start benefits. If you are disabled, be prepared for a long, frustrating process....but don't give up.