Have you been waiting to receive a decision about Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) eligibility for a long time?
Sadly, there are a number of factors that go into the SSDI appeals and decision process, which can slow it down. These factors include which state you live in, how quickly you can produce medical records and whether your case is expedited due to the type of disabilities you have.
This is why it is important to work with our experienced Social Security Disability attorneys during the process.
The Washington Post recently had an interesting story about SSDI wait periods, saying that the Social Security Administration has a backlog of more than 990,000 cases, which is more than that of the VA disability panel and the country’s patent office.
The news outlet went into the appeals process and the role Administrative Law Judges (ALJs) play in determining outcomes. It described how ALJs across the country fell behind and created a case backlog during Gerald Ford’s presidency. So far, there have been very few pushes for reform.
“Reforms were hugely expensive and so logistically complicated that they often stalled, unfinished,” the Post reported. “What’s left now is an office that costs taxpayers billions and still forces applicants to wait more than a year — often, without a paycheck — before delivering an answer about their benefits.”
One ALJ told the Post that she recently had two people who died waiting to receive benefits. The ALJ told the paper that she worries that the two women may have improved their health if she was able to award the benefits.
We suggest reading the Post article, which you can view by clicking on the source link at the bottom of this blog. In addition to the ALJ the paper talked to, it interviewed a man who waited seven years to obtain benefits after suffering from back and neck problems.
As this report shows, it is important to get quality representation if you are applying for or appealing an SSDI decision, as we can review your case and determine if there is a course of action that can be taken to speed up your claim.
Can I Speed up the SSDI Process?
Although the process may be slow moving, we suggest working with our attorney if you are in the application or appeals process. Again, we can review your case to determine if there is anything that can be done to speed up the process. Unfortunately, in some cases there is not—but it may be in your best interest to investigate potential options.
Remember, our attorneys collect contingency fees based on whether or not you win your case. For more information, contact us today.
