N.C. Man Denied His Rightful Social Security Disability Benefits
The Social Security Disability backlog has been widely covered in the media. We've blogged about the topic quite often here.
Statistics showing how deep the backlog is -- as much as two years in some cases -- are compelling. But it's stories like that of Kevin Smith of Spindale, N.C., that illustrate why reform and improvements to the Social Security Disability system are so necessary.
Because of a bureaucratic mistake -- a computer coding error -- Smith failed to receive $14,000 in back pay after being approved for Social Security Disability benefits for his chronic neck and back problems.
It wasn't until a local television station made an inquiry that Smith got his money.
This TV station apparently gets a lot of request for help from Social Security Disability applicants for help regarding their claims. Their number one bit of advice (it's ours too): Hire an attorney to assist with your clam.
Our attorneys and paralegals at the Deuterman Law Group know the Social Security Disability system inside and out, and we've handled countless cases. We know how to deal with the bureaucracy to get our clients the benefits that they deserve in as prompt a manner as possible.
Comments (1)
Read through and enter the discussion by using the form at the endSammy Bailey - June 14, 2010 12:47 AM
I am not surprised because, I applied for social security in Texas and it took 5 years.As the administrative law judge granted me my disability, he claims that I just became disabled in 2006 when in reality I became disabled in 2ooo when my employer (Exxon Mobil) made me retire medically in 2001. Social security said that I wasn't entitled to back pay which is a ball face lie.They treated me as if they thought that I woke up one morning and decided that I didn't want to work any more .I had a good job and I was there for 25 years and I knew my job so well, that it became easy . I have degenerative disc from my skull to my tail bone in my back . If my employer would have let me ,I would still be there doing the best that I could.As an adult I've only had 2 jobs not counting the military.I've never been fired or had any other problems on the job .For social security to treat me this way is wrong.I am just one person, what can I do to make them treat me right and fair .The judge acted like I pissed him off just by me being there. It is a shame that people work all their lives paying into social security and when they need it the system treats them like trash .