Why Is Your Social Security Disability Claim Taking So Long?
Have you been wondering why your Social Security disability claim is taking months to be reviewed?
My name is Kaitlin Wildoner, and I’m an attorney who helps disabled clients obtain their disability benefits as quickly as possible so they can focus on getting better. Today I’m going to talk about the backlog of Social Security disability cases around the country.
A Growing Backlog of Disability Claims
The Social Security Administration has a significant backlog of disability cases that have not yet been processed. In fact, according to some reports, as of March 2023, there are approximately 1.6 million pending disability cases.
What’s Causing the Delay?
The backlog is the result of a variety of factors, including:
- A lack of resources
- Staffing shortages at the Social Security Administration
- COVID-19 pandemic-related delays in processing disability claims
The Impact on Claimants
The backlog has resulted in lengthy wait times for disability claimants, with some individuals waiting years for their claims to be processed. These protracted wait times can cause significant financial and emotional stress for individuals and their families, as they are often unable to work due to their physical or mental condition and may have limited income while waiting for their disability claim to be approved.
What Is the SSA Doing About It?
While the Social Security Administration has implemented various measures to address the backlog—such as hiring additional staff, increasing overtime, and implementing new technology to improve efficiency—the backlog remains a significant issue that impacts many disability claimants.
What Can You Do?
It’s important for individuals who are applying for disability benefits to be patient but persistent with their disability claims. While we as attorneys cannot help you expedite your case, working with an experienced attorney or representative can help you:
- Navigate the complex disability application process
- Avoid common mistakes
- Strengthen your case
In Summary
The Social Security disability backlog is a significant issue caused by a lack of resources and staffing shortages at the Social Security Administration. While measures have been implemented to help reduce the backlog, it remains a persistent challenge that can cause financial and emotional distress for disability claimants.
If you’re disabled and unable to work, we’re here to help. Click this scheduling link or call us directly to schedule a free consultation where we’ll discuss your case and see how we can help you.
