What if you didn't have a name?

[Trilby]

If anyone has paid into the Social Security system for any length of time they are entitled to social security disability payments (which are better than what Mari quoted) and it typically takes 2-4 months to have a decision made. The payments, if approved, start from the day of disability so at the end of an admittedly tough 2-4 months you'd get a nice big check.

[jdbutler]

It's not that clear cut, check out the hoops:http://www.disabilitybenefits101.org...htm#Disability

[Cyber Wolf]

I'd figure identity theft could potentially put someone in a situation similar to the one Mari was in. ID theft can financially ruin somebody then when they try to get help, it'd be extremely difficult and time-consuming to prove they really are who they are. And since the only 'reliable' methods of identification are those of government-issued licenses and certificates, if the government doesn't believe or denies you are who you say you are, no one else will believe either, banks, lending companies, social services, your employer... At that point, who are you anymore? You're just a body taking up space, breathing the air and eating the food of the Properly Documented Citizens.

Originally Posted by Brianna

If anyone has paid into the Social Security system for any length of time they are entitled to social security disability payments (which are better than what Mari quoted) and it typically takes 2-4 months to have a decision made. The payments, if approved, start from the day of disability so at the end of an admittedly tough 2-4 months you'd get a nice big check.

Honey, what planet did your space craft just land from? I have BEEN there, have you? There are a few exceptions, but the vast majority of people who must apply for disability through social security wait for at least two years. Go call up your local social security office and find out for yourself if you don't believe me. People who speak of speedy disability awards are often confusing private disability insurance with federal. Also, those who do have private insurance, ironicly enough, often recieve assistance from their private carriers to help prod the Feds along.

My disability award is a big $625.00 a month. If I'd only had to wait two months for it, the back pay would have been $1250. Maybe you consider this whopping. I don't.