The Social Security Administration has been facing serious issues of customer service problems, with amplified backlogs and delayed benefit processing times, especially for those availing of Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). The increasing delay has been linked to underfunding, staffing shortages, and a growing number of beneficiaries. The severity of the situation is highlighted by data indicating that approximately 10,000 Americans die each year while their SSDI benefit applications are processing.

The alarming delay times have doubled from an average of 110-120 days to an average of 228 days to process an SSDI application as of December 2023. This represents more than seven months of waiting time for applicants. The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) revealed that the SSA’s operating budgets have dropped while the number of Social Security beneficiaries has risen by 25%.

The AFGE also revealed that the shortage of workers due to a drop in hiring has led to SSA staffing levels hitting a 25-year low at the end of the fiscal year 2022. The union has proposed an additional funding of $20 billion to the SSA to enhance the customer service experience. Regrettably, customers continue to encounter severe delays in having their inquiries and claims processed.

Due to these alarming delays, the AARP recommends enlisting legal support to expedite the approval of SSDI benefits. According to a 2022 study by the National Bureau of Economic Research, obtaining legal representation early in the procedure increases the probability of securing a positive decision by 23%. The fees for legal assistance are paid out of the past-due benefits thus avoiding up-front fees for legal assistance.

If you are currently facing significant delays with your Social Security disability claim, one solution could be reaching out to a representative. Understanding how to talk to someone at the Social Security disability may be beneficial. Legal help could make the difference in securing your benefits. Lawyers are paid out of the past-due benefits, providing an affordable option to make the process smoother and a successful experience more likely.