New Heard & Smith Survey Reveals an Alarming 1 in 5 People Aged 50+ Unaware of the Social Security Disability Program
San Antonio, TX (PRWEB) July 31, 2013 -- A new survey commissioned by Heard & Smith, a national disability law firm that concentrates on the disabled and the injured, has revealed that an alarming number of people are unaware of the Social Security Disability (SSD) program.
In its survey, Heard & Smith asked respondents aged 50+ whether they had heard of the SSD program. Shockingly, 20% answered “no.” What’s more, a set of follow-up questions identified that of the 80% who answered “yes,” more than 66% did not get their knowledge from the SSA itself -- but rather from friends, family members and doctors.
“What our survey clearly highlights is that the Social Security Administration is not doing a good enough job of publicizing the SSD benefits that people are legally entitled to,” commented Joshua C. Eyestone, one of the experienced SSD lawyers in Heard & Smith’s Social Security Disability practice group.
“And to make matters worse,” added Mr. Eyestone, “well meaning friends, family members and even doctors typically don’t have accurate, complete and up-to-date information about the SSD program. As a result, there’s quite a bit of misinformation floating around out there that is costing people much more than they realize.”
To help bridge this information gap, Heard & Smith is urging disabled workers (those who are unable to work as a result of a physical or mental impairment) to be aware of the following:
• They should file for benefits as soon as possible after being deemed unable to work, or their eligibility could expire.
• They are likely eligible for monthly financial support in addition to health insurance.
• They should work with an experienced SSD lawyer, as the SSA’s own statistics disclose that individuals with representation are more likely to win their benefits.
In addition, individuals who wish to learn more about SSD benefits can visit the Social Security Disability section of Heard & Smith’s website at http://www.heardandsmith.com/ssdi_ssi.html, which contains helpful articles, a glossary of SSD terms, SSD FAQs, links to additional SSD resources and more. Access to the section is free, and no sign-up is required.
For more information, contact Joshua C. Eyestone at [email protected] or 210-820-3737.
About Heard & Smith L.L.P.
Heard & Smith helps thousands of clients each year get the disability benefits they are entitled to. The national disability law practice group at Heard & Smith represents deserving clients in all 50 states. Heard & Smith specializes in representing the disabled in Social Security Disability (SSD), and Veterans (VA) Disability matters.
Learn more at http://www.heardandsmith.com/
Joshua C. Eyestone, Heard & Smith, http://www.heardandsmith.com/ssdi_ssi.html, (210) 820-3737, [email protected]
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