In past entries on our Social Security Disability blog, we have written about the strong criticism of the SSDI program and shown how it is not an “incentive not to work,” as certain Washington Post writers would call it, but a necessary program from many disabled Americans.
While some people are “gaming the system,” their numbers are very low. Instead, critics are forgetting – or ignoring – the sincere struggles that most people on SSDI face and that prevent them from working:
- Some are bedridden
- Some face emotional difficulties so severe that they cannot interact with others
- Some have untreatable chronic pain
- Some are unable to remember what someone told them just a few minutes ago
- Some must spend hours each day receiving treatment
- Some are terminally ill
Of course, these are only a few of the many challenges people face that require them to apply for Social Security Disability. Disorders can range from AIDS to chronic heart failure to extensive skin lesions to chronic anemia.
The terrible reality about the debate over SSDI is that it is hitting too close to home for many Americans. They are being accused of choosing not to work, as though they chose to become disabled. In addition to the challenges they face from their disability, they now face consistent arguments that they are not trying hard enough.
The fact is that most people on SSDI would prefer to be working.
If you face a significant disability, you know that your disability does not define you. Yet, it can make it hard to live life the way you did before you became disabled. You are not alone if you find that your disability makes work impossible. You would NOT be a freeloader if you applied for SSDI. You have paid into the Social Security system so that you could be covered if anything serious happened – like your disability.
The Social Security Disability application process can be challenging and require some patience, but a Social Security Disability lawyer can help you take the steps you need to get the relief you need.