The Social Security Disability Claim Obstacle Course

For millions of Americans unable to work due to severe medical conditions, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) programs offer a crucial financial safety net. Yet, the process of securing these benefits is notoriously difficult, protracted, and often overwhelming. Far from being a simple application, the Social Security Disability claim is better described as a demanding, multi-stage obstacle course, characterized by complexity, lengthy wait times, and a high rate of initial denial. Understanding this procedural labyrinth is the first, most important step for any claimant seeking relief.


The Initial Gauntlet: High Denial Rates and Documentation

The SSDI/SSI application process begins with the Initial Application, and this stage presents the first major hurdle: a staggering rate of denial. Nationally, well over two-thirds of initial applications are rejected. This often leads claimants to believe their case is hopeless, when in fact, the system is designed to be … Read more