Social Security Disability Insurance Backlog Reaches an All Time High

Social Security Disability Backlog

Summary: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefit applications are at an all time high. If you need to appeal your benefit denial to an Administrative Law Judge, the average wait time is 500 days. Our personnel are trained to identify and successfully navigate qualified disabled persons through the application process with a 90% success rate.

As members of the “Baby Boom” generation reach their fifties and sixties, the demand for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits is quickly approaching an all time high. As noted in a 2008 New York Times article about SSDI benefits the rapid rise in claimants has caused hundreds of thousands of people to wait up to three years for a hearing to determine eligibility for SSDI benefits. Faced with a medical condition which prevents them from working and no SSDI cash benefits claimants face difficult challenges in paying rising medical bills and other expenses.

This backlog in SSA cases, which rose from 311,000 in 2000 to 755,000 in 2008, stems from the relatively low number of Administrative Law Judges compared to the number of claimants submitting disability benefit applications. There are currently 1,025 judges working for the Social Security Administration. The waiting period for appeals is approximately 500 days, up from 258 just eight years ago. The Administration’s plan to tackle this problem is to hire 150 new appellate judges in hopes of decreasing the time claimants spend waiting for a decision.

Unfortunately, even an increase in appeals judges cannot reverse the damage caused to hundreds of claimants who have already suffered due to the lengthy backlog. In hopes of decreasing fraud among claimants, the Social Security Administration uses strict guidelines in determining who is approved for disability (SSDI) benefits. Applicants must not be able to perform ‘any sort of substantial work for at least twelve consecutive months,’ or their illness must be predicted to result in death.

Approximately two thirds of the 2.5 million applications a year are initially turned down. Since these preliminary applications are reviewed at a state level, rarely in a face-to-face interview, many symptoms involving pain or mental illnesses cannot be evaluated and therefore some qualified applicants are rejected. By contacting Freedom Disability Services at (866) 761-5942, you can receive a no cost, no obligation evaluation of your potential eligibility for disability benefits. If you are applying for the first time or appealing a denial, contact Freedom Disability Services as soon as possible and let us assist you in getting approved for the benefits you deserve.

To avoid the burdensome wait for an appeals hearing, it is very important that applicants submit complete and accurate applications. At Freedom Disability Services we specialize in Social Security Disability Insurance applications and appeals. Our Advocates have extensive experience with Social Security claims and can help determine if your condition is likely to result in a successful SSDI application. If you do qualify, we can provide you with the professional assistance that you need to get the benefits that you deserve. If you have previously been denied benefits, but feel your condition makes you eligible, contact us today at (866) 761-5942.

The foregoing information is based on published materials from the Social Security Administration including “Disability Evaluation Under Social Security.” It is meant to serve as an introduction to some of the factors used by the SSA in evaluating cases. It is no way comprehensive. While Freedom Disability Services can help you prepare an effective application for benefits, only the SSA can determine whether or not you qualify. For more information call Freedom today at (866) 761-5942.

Social Security Disability benefits summary: For those who are unable to work because of a physical or mental disability, cash and health insurance benefits are available through the government’s Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program. If you have previously worked full time and paid Social Security taxes (FICA), you may qualify for these disability benefits. You must furthermore be between the age of 18 and 65 and unable to work full-time in any job available in the U.S to meet Social Security Disability requirements. The average monthly award is $1,100 dollars and you will be eligible to receive Medicare health insurance benefits after 24 months. A wide range of disabilities will qualify you for these benefits as long as they prevent you from working full-time including the following: depression, bi-polar, back pain, arthritis, diabetes, etc. You are able to apply for Social Security Disability directly with the Social Security Administration or your can improve your chances of success through the use of professional Disability Advocates, such as Freedom Disability or Social Security Attorneys. Freedom disability is only paid if you win.