Facts You Didn’t Know About The Social Security Disability Backlog

With government officials making reports about Social Security Disability backlog to Congress, and disability advocates criticizing the institution’s perceived failures, your Tulsa disability attorneys thought it might be a good time to clear the air. Here are some of the facts surrounding the disability hearing waitlist.

7 Facts About the Social Security Disability Backlog

  1. The estimated wait time to get an in-person hearing now stands at an estimated 605 days.
  2. Almost 1.1 million people are currently on the waitlist.
  3. According to Allsup, most of the people waiting in the backlog have already weathered a 213 day wait just to see if their original application for SSDI was denied.
  4. According to the Social Security Administration, 70 percent of the people in the backlog worked and paid FICA payroll taxes.
  5. It takes approximately 85 days to get a decision back on whether a claimant was awarded benefits after their hearing.
  6. Current estimates say that 8,699 people died while waiting for their benefits hearing in 2016.
  7. The SSA anticipates that it will be able to reduce the waitlist down to an acceptable level by 2022. But the SSA’s acceptable level is a 270-day waiting period, or nine months.

Right now, the United States has the most strenuous approval criteria for disability services in the entire world. Though these processes are meant to prevent people from defrauding the system, less than one percent of claims are found to be fraudulent every year. This has led to a long backlist of people deserving of benefits, waiting. Thousands die, while waiting for their chance to prove that their claim is real. In the meantime, they often lose their vehicles, homes and health because they do not have the money to pay their bills.

Are There Ways to Avoid the Waitlist?

A properly filled out disability claim, with supporting evidence, is one of the few ways to avoid this long wait. However, this can be hard unless you have the knowhow to handle these government forms and requirements. That’s why it’s essential to consult an experienced disability attorney who knows how to deal with the Social Security Administration.

These facts were brought to you by the Tulsa disability attorneys at Troutman & Troutman—helping Oklahomans with disabilities since 1993.

Categories

    I didn't think there was a caring professional considerate attorney firm on the planet, but Troutman & Troutman proved me wrong. From the receptionist to the legal assistance to the attorney and more they were exceptional people.

    - Robert S.

    They did a fantastic job getting everything gathered up and getting the trial done as quickly as possible. Anytime I had a question they were patient and help me understand what was going on. Especially Christy and Charlie were great.

    - Michael M.

    Steve Troutman was able to get my short-term and long-term disability for me. Then Erin another lawyer for their firm got my Social security disability for me. Great people.

    - Billy S.

    Mr. Troutman walked me through the entire process. Heather was available each time I called, answered all my crazy questions, and helped me fill out forms along the way. I was never treated like I was wasting time.

    - Julia C.

    Erin and Keith were fabulous! They were compassionate, helpful, and very responsive! They made the process very smooth and painless every step of the way.

    - Valerie W.

We Are Here to Help 

Free & Confidential Consultations
  • Please enter your first name.
  • Please enter your last name.
  • Please enter your phone number.
    This isn't a valid phone number.
  • Please enter your email address.
    This isn't a valid email address.
  • Please make a selection.
  • Please enter a message.