This blog has discussed on numerous occasions the length of time it can take to go through the Social Security Disability Insurance benefits eligibility process. The Social Security Administration has struggled with backlogs over the years, and economic conditions and budgetary issues are no help. The SSDI and Supplemental Security Income backlogs are not the only areas where government processes intended to provide disabled Americans with a safety net are seeing delays.

Last November, this blog discussed that disabled veterans can, in some cases, qualify for disability benefits from the SSA in addition to benefits from the Veterans Administration. In either process, the application process for benefits can see delays, so it is important to start the application process sooner, rather than later. A recent news story profiled a Viet Nam War veteran whose cancer is linked to Agent Orange exposure during his service to the country.

The veteran sought benefits to cover cancer treatments, and needless to say, time was of the essence. He says that he and his wife expected that it might take up to a year, or more, before he would be awarded the 100 percent disability benefits he was seeking, and the couple was struggling to make ends meet. At the time, he was one of 1.5 million veterans sitting in the VA backlog.

He sought help, and his U.S. Representative stepped in. The story has a happy ending. The veteran got the disability benefits last fall in a short time. He underwent 33 radiation treatments and eight rounds of chemotherapy. He happily reports that he is now cancer free.

Federal disability benefits programs are an important part of the social safety net set up by Congress. Workers and veterans who have been disabled and can no longer work should consider speaking with a seasoned Miami Social Security Disability lawyer to learn what SSA programs may be available in a specific situation.

Source: Dayton Daily News, "Veterans' wait for benefits is lengthy," Mary McCarty, Jan. 8, 2012