If you are a Social Security Disability claimant waiting longer than usual for a decision from the SSA, you are not alone. In fact, you are joined by nearly one million Americans in the Social Security backlog. Due to underfunding and diminished staff, Social Security is seeing massive processing delays and cannot keep up with the growing demand for benefits.
SSA Sees Fewer Employees and a Greater Backlog
As of December 2022, the average wait time for a decision from Social Security was seven months – the longest wait time in 14 years. At the same time, SSA staffing levels are at a 25-year low.
As the agency loses employees, its service is compromised, and the backlog of Americans waiting for benefits continues to grow. As of August 2022, 929,000 Americans made up the backlog of applicants waiting for a decision from the SSA – over 25% more than there were in September 2021.
Could I Expedite my Disability Claim?
Although most Americans see the longest wait for benefits in over a decade, Social Security could automatically advance your claim under the following conditions:
Compassionate Allowances List (CAL). Hundreds of conditions earmarked by the SSA could expedite your claim, including aggressive cancers, neurodegenerative and immune system diseases, and rare disorders that affect children.
Presumptive Disability. If you have a severe mental or physical disability (such as complete hearing or vision loss, end-stage renal disease, cerebral palsy, or terminal illness with a life expectancy of six months or less) and are applying for SSI, the agency could determine that you have a “presumptive disability,” and allow you to receive up to six months of benefits while you wait for Disability Determination Services to make a decision.
Service Members. If you are a veteran rated “100% P&T” (having a permanent and total disability) by the Department of Veteran Affairs, Social Security will treat your claim as a “high priority workload” and fast-track a decision.
Dire Need Case (DRND). Social Security may fast-track your application if you are in a financial crisis and cannot get food, housing, or medical care due to a lack of resources.
Social Security Disability Attorneys Who Are On Your Side
While the wait for a decision from the SSA continues to increase, more and more Americans are left without the help they need. Don’t wait any longer for benefits than you need; hire a skilled disability lawyer at the Disability Attorneys of Michigan who will protect your rights and ensure that you receive SSDI or SSI as soon as possible.
Contact us today by submitting the form below or call our office at 800-949-2900 for a free case evaluation.