Maryland man receives SSD benefits after 9-year wait

While a man was lying in a hospital bed recovering from a recent heart procedure, he learned the Social Security Administration (SSA) would pay him more than $206,000 in Social Security disability (SSD) benefits, reports The Baltimore Sun. This was the end of his nine-year battle for SSD benefits.

Not only does the SSA administer Social Security, but it’s supposed to provide support for those too disabled to work. While Social Security benefits are paid out when workers reach retirement age, people who have suffered disabilities must apply for benefits from the agency.

Ever since this man began to suffer from heart failure over nine years ago, he and his wife had been trying to prove that he was sick enough to get SSD benefits. They were thwarted throughout the process by continual denials and delays.

Social Security Administration now has a larger-than-ever caseload. The growing number of aging baby boomers, combined with a weak job market, has put great stress on the federal agency.

“This is how the system works: Usually, people give up or they die,” the man’s wife said. “I wasn’t going to let that happen.”

Many people who apply for disability benefits are denied, then must appeal to an administrative law judge, and then go to court, if necessary.

If you or someone you know needs help with SSD, contact the disability lawyers at Fleschner, Stark, Tanoos & Newlin.