Many people are lured into a false sense of security by their experience with Social Security retirement claims. With a retirement claim, it is very straight forward. You apply for benefits and if you are old enough a check begins arriving each month.
Social Security disability benefits are not nearly as simple. That is because the eligibility rules are much more complex with the disability program. Before you can receive a disability benefit you must prove that you are disabled using objective medical evidence provided by acceptable medical sources. Therein lies the challenge.
You must prove that you have a physical and/or mental impairment which produces symptoms so severe that you cannot perform any of your past relevant work or any other work which exists in significant numbers in the national economy. This is not at all cut and dried but is open to a great deal of interpretation by Social Security decision makers.
What typically happens? Very often, decision makers will conclude that you are unable to perform your past work but that you can perform other, easier work. Under the regulations, you are not legally disabled and will be denied.
If it weren't so serious, it would be amusing to hear the kinds of work that Social Security says individuals can still perform. Probably my two least favorite jobs in this category are parking garage attendant and surveillance system monitors. Another one that crops up a lot is a theater ticket taker. Or how about a silverware wrapper?
Claimants often come away frustrated and confused because a decision maker told them they are not disabled because they can be a silverware wrapper. Overcoming this type of scenario probably requires professional help.
The bottom line is: Social Security retirement benefits are cut and dried. Social Security disability benefits are not. They are much more difficult and require more legal wrangling.
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