Robert Moore, a 61-year-old resident of Gloucester, Massachusetts, found himself out of work after suffering a shoulder injury while working as a health care aide at a brain injury rehabilitation home. This is where Moore’s struggle began. As with most working Americans, a percentage of Moore’s income was taken for contributions to the Social Security Disability Insurance Trust Fund. However, accessing these funds after his injury proved to be a daunting task, with approval taking several months.

This is a common scenario. More than a million Americans across the country have experienced significant delays in processing their disability claims. The issue appears to be concentrated at state field offices, which are responsible for the initial assessment of an individual’s medical condition to determine eligibility for disability aid. The average wait time has doubled from three months to six months, with residents of some states, such as Florida and Texas, waiting as long as nine months.

Boston-based attorney Christopher Doherty, who assists clients nationwide in getting their disability applications approved, reports that many clients have been awaiting initial review since 2022, potentially leading to financial hardship and loss of health insurance. A 2020 report by the Government Accountability Office highlights this, indicating that long wait times could potentially lead to worsening health conditions, or even death.

The root cause of the problem, according to Social Security Administration Commissioner Martin O’Malley, is insufficient staff to handle the increased volumes of cases. While Republicans in Congress argue that the agency should streamline its processes with the existing manpower and resources, O’Malley believes additional funding is needed.

While waiting for his own claim, Moore relied on loans from friends and $300 a month in state welfare. After a year and a half, with the help of Doherty, his application was finally approved. There is a need to draw attention to the challenges people face when trying to access disability aid and push for a more efficient system to alleviate their struggles.

For those needing information or requiring assistance on how to get through to the Employment Development Department (EDD), you may look for resources or find contact details through eddcaller.com. This website can offer advice on how to get ahold of EDD customer service or provide tips on the fastest way to get through to EDD, making your experience less frustrating and more streamlined.