Another SSD Myth Busted

I have written several blogs regarding some of the myths about people who apply for Social Security Disability ("SSD") benefits.  One of the biggest myths is that these people are lazy, and just want to sit home and collect SSD benefits.  The truth is that most of those people would much rather be working than sitting at home, and having to rely on SSD benefits, which pay only a fraction of what they had been earning.  Here on Long Island,  SSD benefits rarely cover the most basic necessities. These people are like you and I, have worked hard their entire lives, paid into Social Security, and became disabled for a multitude of reasons beyond their control.  Even with doctors supporting their claims, and their years of employment attesting to their credibility, they are too often denied SSD benefits.  We have no right to judge them.  If these people have enough work credits, then they are eligible for SSD benefits.  If they do not, then they may eligible for Supplemental Security Income (“SSI”).  So unlike what the government would have you believe, no one is getting benefits that they are not eligible to receive.  Nonetheless, the government has been taking affirmative steps to increase the SSD and SSI denial rates, while allowing the waiting times for hearing to hit a record high.