Waiting for Disability: One Step Away from Homelessness

Applying for Social Security Disability benefits is very much a waiting game.

Most applications are denied the first time, and it often takes several rounds of appeals before a disabled person can begin collecting benefits. It's not unusual for people to wait a year or two to be approved.

Imagine what would happen if you were sick or disabled for a year or two, unable to work, with no money coming in. How would you pay for medical treatment? How would you pay your rent or mortgage? How would you cover your bills?

How many people are just one paycheck away from homelessness?

Consider the story of Maggie Dato, a disabled California woman out of work, evicted from her home, denied Social Security Disability benefits, facing mounting medical bills and living out of a camping trailer that she is about to lose.

Unfortunately, more people from all walks of like can probably identify with Deto these days. Mass layoffs have left hundreds of thousands out of work, and many are struggling to pay their bills and provide for their families even if they're receiving unemployment benefits. If they're struggling, how can injured and disabled people who can't work and who aren't receiving any benefits make it?