You may have heard that the Social Security Administration is currently sifting through a massive backlog of applications – one year ago, that number reached one million claims, to be exact. Since then, the line has continued to increase in size, taking up to 450 days to process a single claim. This backlog is being called the largest in the history of Social Security.
First time applicants are waiting long enough, but the backed-up part of the system is made up of appeals from people whose initial claims were rejected. Hard-working Americans suffering from mental or physical ailments who are unable to work are having to wait years to see if they can finally get the money they desperately need. Even though the Social Security Administration has implemented a number of backlog initiatives in the past decade, backlogs have continued to grow and the average time to process a claim has grown steadily worse.
A recent report cited the following reasons for the Social Security system backlog:
- The number of requests for appeals has increased
- There are fewer on-staff attorneys who could decide cases without a hearing
- There are fewer judges
- Judges who hear appeals have been less productive
The officials in charge of appeals have been replaced, and new leadership is confident that proposed changes will go a long way in helping to reduce the backlog. Time will tell whether they are correct. Meanwhile, injured and disabled people throughout the country continue to wait to receive the help they need.
Social Security Disability Application Denied? Let Us Fight For You!
If you have been injured and are no longer able to work, the last thing you should have to worry about is fighting a confusing and inefficient system on your own. That is why we urge you to contact a George Sink, P.A. Injury Lawyers. Whether you are just beginning the application process or need help with the appeals process after being denied benefits, we are available to help. We have decades of experience handing SSD cases and have successfully helped hundreds of hardworking South Carolinians.
We are ready to do what it takes to fight for your rights. Request your FREE case review by calling us toll-free at (888) 612-7001.