And of course another long wait for a hearing and even after a hearing has been held, it may take yet another innumerable weeks or even moths before a decision is made by a judge. And if ever disability benefits are ever received at all, it had taken them 2 ½ years from day their claiming process began. As 21/2 years had passed they may never realized that during all that time all their savings are exhausted, bills and loans are still waiting to be paid, valuables are lost in order to pay for other debts. They have been reduced to drastic living conditions and still, they still haven’t taken hold of their benefits.

Learning a lesson from situations, it is extremely important to know how long application and appeal process of SSD system would really take before eventuality of being awarded by benefits.

By having advanced knowledge of how long a social security SSI/disability application might take, claimants could plan their assets and finances and avoid instantaneous financial downfall.

Also, practical rules may apply in planning financial aspects while still in process of applying and/or appealing for your disability claims. On top of everything else, it would be wise not to take on additional debts or obligations. Get cooperation of your family and list down other ways which would greatly minimize financial burdens and obligations. With regards to bills and payments that have earlier compromised you, find out a way of restructuring them so that your budget would not suffer greatly as each day passed, still without approval of your benefits. Who knows, sacrificing but a little more is what it probably takes.

Various laws have also been implemented in order to enhance DI programs like, Social Security Disability Benefits Reform Act of 1984, which revised mental impairment listings. The Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996, set criteria that were more restrictive for childhood stability. The Public Law 104-121 eliminated drug and alcohol addiction from medical listings of disabilities. The Fair Housing Act (FHA), as amended in 1988, makes housing more accessible to disabled and prohibits discriminations. So as with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Both Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income beneficiaries’ population have experienced marked growth and compositional changes from 1984 – 1999. As such, revisions and new laws which added up to total package of these programs have further enhanced and have enabled government to reach out its services further to its needy citizens. It is but important to be always updated and aware of programs of Social Security which concerns every individuals in country.

Information is already empowerment. For more specific ideas on how Social Security programs work and for further updates, connect with official website of Social Security at www.ssa.gov or go directly to Social Security Administration’s Information Offices in your state! Don’t waste your time being unaware of opportunities that may entitle you and your family to government services!