The sequestration that took effect on March 1 has affected Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) processing times. President Barack Obama warned citizens about a “substantial growth in the backlog of Social Security disability claims,” as operating hours are reduced and employees are forced to take furloughs. The SSA is operating with an 8 percent reduction to its $11.5 billion budget.
Recent employee reductions may affect SSA claims. In December 2012, the SSA announced that it had 64,538 employees, down from 70,270 employees in December 2010. The SSA said that it will not replace workers who leave the agency or retire, and it plans to eliminate all temporary employees and overtime as a result of the sequestration.
The SSA has said the cuts will only affect operations, but SSDI recipients will not suffer a reduction in benefits. In some states, SSA phone wait times have doubled, while backlogs for appeals have begun to build.
Qualifying for Benefits
There are only three ways a person can apply for SSDI benefits: at your local Social Security office, over the phone by calling 1-800-772-1213 or online through the Social Security Administration website.
Do not take chances if you are applying for disability benefits or are in the process of appealing a claim. If you have questions about an application for disability benefits, do not hesitate to contact our Tulsa Social Security disability lawyers for a free evaluation of your case. You may also reach us by phone at (918) 265-1404.
Troutman & Troutman, P.C. – Tulsa Social Security disability attorneys
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