Need My Social Security Disability Approved

Oct. 8, 2015

Dear Cathy:

I filed for my Social Security Disability benefits two years ago -- the same time I filed for Workers’ Compensation with the federal government.  Do you have any idea how long it will take for me to get it approved?  Need Social Security Benefits Approved, Missouri

Dear Need Social Security Benefits Approved:

In the federal government, many injured workers can obtain more funds by being in the Workers’ Compensation System than receiving disability through the Social Security Administration (SSA.gov).  

They can even remain in this status for up to 10 or 15 years -- so many do not file a claim for a disability through the Social Security Adminstration, if they get their Workers’ Compensation claim approved. 

However, if you become an injured worker, I would file for both to see which is approved first.  It’s important to obtain some type of funds in your household, so your life can be restored to some sense of normalcy.  

Explore all your options!  You need to realistically look at your situation to see if you need to downsize your lifestyle or move in with family members when you experience any type of disability. 

The Social Security Administration should realize that most disability applicants are experiencing financial hardships during the disability process and it is important for them to receive their disability benefits as soon as possible. 

However, it’s unfortunate that the Social Security Administration is making some people wait up until 10 years for these much needed benefits.  By then many people will just die off, become homeless or disappear. 

Many times while waiting for a claim for “temporary disability,” your injury becomes a “permanent disability.”  So don’t wait to file a claim for Social Security disability benefits.

Like any other disability system, many people who need these benefits are made to wait for years and the people who are simply lying about their situations seems that they can get approved overnight.

I have seen it take up to 10 years max to get approved for Social Security benefits and at a minimum of 2 years.  It all depends on the caseworker who view your paperwork and their particular work ethics to become an advocate and follow-through on your claim.  

Many workers in many workplaces, especially in these city, state and federal jobs, are not only untrained but many are only there for their paychecks. 

Try to respond to all the deadlines in a timely manner.  Missing any of the deadlines might set you back months or even years.  If you can help it, try not to go at it alone.  There are attorneys who specialize in getting your Social Security benefits approved if you are disabled so work with an attorney.  You can learn more about disabilities at the “National Council on Disability” (NCD.gov).