February 11, 2012
/24-7PressRelease/ -- Despite Efforts, Social Security Backlog Not Declining
The Social Security Administration has focused on reducing the backlog of Social Security Disability Insurance applications in recent years. So far, however, the SSA's efforts have not been successful.
By the end of September of last year, a record high of 771,318 petitioners had yet to have their appeal heard by an administrative law judge. The news is equally bad for first applications. LifeHealthPro.com, a website for life & health insurance advisors, reports that approximately 1.8 million SSDI first-time claimants are awaiting a decision, with the average wait time at approximately 800 days, or just over two years.
The long wait for claim approval can be deadly. According to the Wall Street Journal, applicants regularly die while waiting for SSDI benefits. The SSA keeps track of these unfortunate deaths, and the SSA has put over 15,000 names on that list (called the DXDI list) since 2005.
Lawmakers and applicants alike have asked the SSA to lower wait times. In 2011, the SSA began promoting video conferencing in an attempt to reduce the backlog of appeal hearings for those who had their original claim denied. A video hearing is the same as a regular hearing, but conducted through video teleconferencing. While this has worked for a few people seeking benefits, it has not helped reduce the backlog as expected.
Compassionate Allowances
Claims for SSDI benefits are only expedited if the applicant suffers from one of the afflictions on the SSA's "Compassionate Allowances" list, the number of which recently increased to 113, up from 100. This list includes medical impairments that are so severe that if an individual suffers from one, he or she is extremely likely to qualify for benefits. Thus, claims based on disabilities on the Compassionate Allowances list are subject to immediate review by the SSA.
The Compassionate Allowances program has fortunately decreased the number of people who die while waiting for an appeal by 20 percent. While this is extremely good news, the Compassionate Allowances program has not reduced the backlog for other applicants.
With the wait time as long as it is, a mistake in the SSDI application process is not only costly -- it can be deadly. If you can no longer work because of a disability or medical condition, contact an experienced Social Security Disability attorney who can help give you the greatest chance at obtaining the benefits you need.
Article provided by The Law Office of Sheryl Gandel Mazur
Visit us at http://www.mazurdisabilitylaw.com
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