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As the law prescribes, Social Security Disability benefits are given to those persons who are unable to exercise any substantial gainful activity due to an impairment that is expected to last, or has already lasted, for at least twelve (12) months. The impairment may not even be limited to physical disability alone, as the law includes those that may even cause the applicant's death.

Ideally, people who have acquired any disability during the course of their work should have an easier time claiming their disability benefits because they are paying for it. But sadly, the Social Security Administration, for one reason or another, is not that effective when it comes to processing their members' disability benefits applications. This is evidenced by the enormous backlog of disability applications filed before the SSA.

The records show that more than half of the SSD and SSI claims will subsequently be denied at the first two stages of the filing process. This is the main reason why a majority of claimants still needs to bring their claims at least to the Administrative Law Judge for hearing, where they have to defend their cases through oral arguments in the hope that the judge will be convinced by the evidence they present.

We already know that the process is tedious and involves a lot of red tape. Yet, applicants grow by the number, still eager to claim disability benefits even without the proper understanding of the process. In most cases, the lack of information proves fatal to a disability benefits application.

The following are some tips on how to increase the chances of having a favorable result:

- Ask the support of your doctor; his detailed medical statement explaining why your disability can impede you from working will be very helpful.

- Submit your most recent medical records upon your initial application and every time you make an appeal.

- Cooperate promptly and completely with the disability examiner who is in charge of your claim. You need to respond immediately to his notices and be present at the scheduled medical examinations.

- Be aware of the status of your disability claim case. You should call your state's Disability Determination Services office for updates and not an SSA office.

- Keep track on the important dates such as the deadlines connected to your case.

- Hire a Social Security representative (preferably an attorney) who has an extensive background and notable experience in handling Social Security cases. This is very vital most especially in filing an appeal to the ALJ.

- Be kind enough to the individuals who are dealing with your case. Having a good relationship with them might encourage them to help you more with your case.