California residents can qualify for Social Security Disability based upon any number of medical complications. Unfortunately, many disabilities are not limited by the age of a person. This means that anyone, even younger people, may be affected by a medical problem that can cause a disability. According to the Social Security Administration (SSA), even people as young as 20 years old have a 30 percent chance of becoming disabled.
Unfortunately, most of time those who have been affected by a debilitating medical condition such as cancer, will not have planned for the financial obligations that accompany life with a disability, especially if they are no longer able to work. Many people can be financially devastated by the cost of medical and health care expenses which can easily add up.
In such cases, Social Security can offer help in the form of income for a disability, along with Supplemental Security Income programs.
However, these programs are not immediately available once someone is diagnosed with a disability. Instead, a process of applying for Social Security is necessary, and sometimes benefits are denied if the applicant for some reason does not meet the expectations of a Social Security Administration judge. In such cases, obviously receiving benefits will be delayed, at least until an appeal is successful.
Navigating through the Social Security system on your own, especially when you are suffering through a disability and have lots of other items on your mind can make the situation even that much more difficult. Those in California and elsewhere across the country should not lose hope. Instead, seek help to learn about your rights and whether you may qualify for Social Security Disability benefits.
Source: Pocono Record, “When you can’t afford to be really sick,” Amy Leap, Mar. 6, 2012
