A District Heights, Maryland, man was out of money and dying in the hospital last year while the Social Security Administration asked for more proof to show he was not able to work.

The 50-year-old mason's story is documented in a recent national news report. The man had begun his battle for Social Security disability benefits in 2009 after he was diagnosed with colon cancer. His initial application and his first appeal were denied; the agency said he did not provide substantial medical records. The Maryland Legal Aid Bureau ultimately helped him to cull and submit records, and a letter finally arrived declaring the approval of benefits. Unfortunately, it was nine days too late. The letter came on the day of his funeral.

This man's case is now among more than 15,000 appeals that the Social Security Administration has designated DXDI - a code meaning the applicant died waiting.

The news story illustrates the immense backlog of disability benefits applications. More than 3 million people applied for benefits this year, and by the end of September 771,318 applicants were waiting to have their appeals heard, according to data in the news story.

The story points to several factors influencing the rise, including high unemployment and an aging population as well as possible fraud within the agency.

Whatever the reason, many people, such as the mason from Maryland, simply cannot afford the long wait for benefits. It is often best to bring an advocate on board early, because those who need benefits often do not have the luxury of time.

Applying for Social Security benefits is confusing enough without the long and complicated appeals process. This is why it is often most efficient to seek legal assistance from the very beginning, with your initial Social Security disability application. Legal professionals can also help to navigate the arduous appeals process.

Source: Wall Street Journal, "Growing Case Backlog Leaves the Terminally Ill Waiting," Damian Paletta and Dionne Searcey," Dec. 28, 2011