We will likely be seeking disability for my wife in the near future. This story isn't encouraging.

Steadily lengthening delays in the resolution of Social Security disability claims have left hundreds of thousands of people in a kind of purgatory, now waiting as long as three years for a decision.

Two-thirds of those who appeal an initial rejection eventually win their cases.

We are fortunate. my job is secure, my health insurance is marginally acceptable, and we're not overextended like some folks who spent the last decade piling up debt.

But three years? To confirm what should be patently obvious from teh medical records.

That is discouraging.