Social Security Disability is a flawed system where far too often, honest, hard-working disabled workers are denied benefits as a matter of course.

Dan Neer, a 38-year-old North Dakota man who injured his back moving furniture learned this the hard way: It took him more than two years from his first application to get Social Security disability benefits.

Unfortunately, Neer's case is not unique. The backlog to receive benefits currently is running about two years. That's why we encourage people to apply for benefits as soon as possible. Getting an attorney involved can also ensure that you don't encounter any additional, unnecessary delays or miss any important filing deadlines.

Lawmakers are also starting to notice the backlog. Sen. Byron Dorgan, D-N.D., has asked President Bush and the inspector general's office to review the process of applying for disability.

"There seems to be something wrong if two-thirds on appeal are found disabled," Dorgan said.