Problem Solver: Social Security Disability Benefits

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Published: August 11, 2008

There’s no disputing the fact that the Social Security Administration is inundated with people trying to get disability benefits and here at News Channel 7 we get so many complaints from our viewers about this problem it’s tough for us to make sure everyone’s needs are met. Dianne Derby tells us why and takes us through one woman’s tough battle.

As the Problem Solver for News Channel 7 I get the most complaints about disability benefit denials. So many of you have stories of denial that pull at our heartstrings and I wish there was a way to get answers for you faster. Here’s why it’s so hard…the SSA’s top official admits himself that the wait times for final disability decisions are “unacceptable”. In fact, Commissioner Michael Astrue admitted this in front of Congress during his testimony in May of last year. He revealed the average wait time is 505 days and said, “Sadly, people have died waiting for a hearing”. So when I heard about a woman dying of cancer who had her disability benefits request denied I knew we couldn’t let her be part of that statistic.

Thirty-two-year-old Jennifer Satterfield has been fighting for her life ever since she says she was diagnosed with terminal cervical cancer 15 months ago.
 
“I have been through radiation, chemo, radiation implant surgery, a biopsy, a partial hysterectomy,“ said Satterfield. “I need a break and I have no money. I live off of family and friends.“

She says she can’t work but says the Social Security Administration said she can…denying her claim for disability benefits. And when she appealed that decision last November the SSA stood by it saying the “condition(s) is not severe enough to be considered disabling.“
“You spend a day in my shoes, you walk a mile in my shoes, you throw up every day in my shoes and you hurt in my shoes, and then tell me I can work I can’t work,“ cried Satterfield.

Her mother, Debbie Satterfield, says she’s sacrificed her own health to help pay for Jennifer’s needs.
“I’m on disability and I’m on a fixed income and I have gone with no medication in order for her to have her medication,“ she said.

We spoke with the SSA’s Patti Patterson by phone from Atlanta. When asked why her claim has been approved even though she is dying of cancer Patterson replied, “We are certainly working and concerned about Miss Satterfield and trying to get a decision on her case just as soon as possible.“

Patterson said they are still waiting on the medical records from this latest hospital stay but have marked her case as critical and say they likely will schedule a hearing where Jennifer will have the chance to state her case in front of a judge.
When asked to comment about the fact that a lot of people die waiting for an answer from SSA Patterson replied, “Certainly we never want that to happen and we realize that people are having to wait longer during this difficult time in their lives. We are trying to do everything we can to reduce the amount of time you have to wait on a hearing decision.“

And Debbie is doing everything she can to make sure her daughter’s voice is heard.
“Whatever it takes I will never stop fighting until I know she has what she deserves,“ she said.

We will continue to follow Jennifer’s case and let you know what the SSA decides during her hearing.

If you need help with your disability claim the Social Security Administration says you should call them or visit your local office. You can also contact your U.S. Senator for help. Click here to contact your Senator.