More Disability Claims Delayed As Backlog Increases

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December 11th, 2007

"Americans are still waiting for answers to their Social Security disability claims"

Hundreds of thousands of Americans are currently awaiting resolution to their Social Security disability claims, and many of them are losing their homes, declaring bankruptcy, and even dying in the meantime.

The Backlog

The Social Security Administration had planned to add an additional 150 judges to help reduce the backlog, but the plan requires $100 million more than the president requested from Congress this year.

Since 2000, the backlog has more than doubled from 311,000 to 755,000, and the average wait for an appeals hearing has jumped from an average 258 days to 500 days.

Initial Applications Often Denied

It’s not unusual for a disability claimant’s initial application for benefits to be denied. About two-thirds of the 2.5 million applicants each year are initially turned down. But two-thirds of the 575,000 who follow through with an appeal are eventually approved.

The disability approval process is intentionally strict to prevent fraud, but the commissioner of Social Security, Michael J. Astrue, recently stated in an interview that fraud is rare.

Major Changes Needed for Progress

According to Astrue, the agency has taken steps to ensure quick initial approval for claimants whose eligibility is obvious. He also said the agency was holding more hearings by video.

However, to make the most progress in reducing the backlog, there needs to be a serious increase in funding, administrative judges and support staff. Without these things, claimants awaiting an appeal will have to suffer extended delays—up to three years.

(Source: New York Times online)

Need to appeal for SSD claim? Contact an experienced Social Security disability lawyer who can help you build a persuasive case for benefits.