Social Security Administration

Currently, the Social Security Administration (SSA) is grappling with a significant challenge: an understaffed workforce struggling to manage an ever-growing backlog of Social Security Disability (SSD) claims. According to SSA data, Social Security’s workforce has shrunk from nearly 67,000 employees in 2010 to about 56,000 now – a 27-year low. This situation not only affects…

After you’ve been approved for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, navigating the system can be challenging, and overpayment issues can add significant stress for many recipients. In this blog, we’ll explore what SSI overpayment is, why it might occur, and the steps you can take if you face this issue. What is An SSI Overpayment?…

The Social Security Administration (SSA) recently implemented significant updates to the Past Relevant Work (PRW) rule, impacting how disability claims are evaluated. Instead of assessing an applicant’s past 15 years of relevant work, the SSA has changed it to 5 years. This change has started discussions and raised questions among those navigating the Social Security…

Garnishment is when a creditor keeps part of a check or payment to pay your debts, and a levy is a legal seizure of your property to satisfy a tax debt. One common concern for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) recipients is whether their benefits can be garnished or levied. Here’s what you need to…

If you have applied for disability benefits and are experiencing delays in a decision from the Social Security Administration (SSA), you’re not alone. Social Security wait times have increased over the past several years and have doubled since 2016. The total average processing time for 2024 so far is 225 days, compared to 110 days…

When you reach retirement age, your Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits will typically convert to Social Security retirement benefits without any additional application required. The amount you receive may stay the same, although it could be recalculated based on your work history and earnings leading up to retirement age. Additionally, while there are set limits…

As inflation continues to hike up the prices of consumer goods and living expenses in the U.S., the SSA makes sure its 71 million beneficiaries can still support themselves and their families with the annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA). This is when the SSA increases checks by a certain percentage to ensure the purchasing power of…

After SSA field offices were forced to close for nearly two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there are plans to reopen offices for in-person consultations as soon as possible. The federal agency has reached an agreement with its labor unions to bring 45,000 SSA employees back to its field offices in April.  This follows…

The Social Security Administration recently announced a hiring freeze, which could increase the backlog in Social Security Disability cases. Andrew Saul, the new SSA Commissioner, announced the freeze on July 31, and the notice stated the freeze was enacted in an effort to help improve hearings and field office wait times. The freeze affects all…

Recently Congressman John Larson of Connecticut reintroduced a bill to increase Social Security benefits in the future. The Social Security 2100 Act would expand Social Security benefits, while extending future program solvency. There are both proponents and critics of the bill. Let’s take a closer look, and explore how this could impact Social Security Disability…