According to Social Security, 6.9 million disabled workers received disability benefits from Social Security in 2007. Another 1.8 million individuals received benefits as dependents of disabled workers.

This is compared to 31 million receiving retirement benefits.

The average monthly disability benefits was $979. Although it should be noted, for those receiving Supplemental Security Income benefits, the maximum amount a SSI recipient could receive in 2007 was $637.

Total payout to disabled workers and dependents in 2007 was 7.2 billion dollars. However, this is only 17% of total benefits paid by Social Security.

Just some quick facts.

Fortunately, I do not see too many cases in Colorado that have been waiting more than two and half years for a hearing.  Unfortunately, I still see the average wait time for hearings hover at about 12-14 months (occasionally faster, occasionally slower).

That is, 12-14 months after the initial appeal is filed.  So, if you add the initial 4-6 months for the initial decision, 2-3 months for the hearing decision and another 2-3 months for processing of benefits, you are looking at about two year from beginning a Social Security case to payout of initial benefits.

While this may be less than 900 days, two years is still a long time to wait for help when you are disabled.

 photo credit: chelseagirl