In 2021, a 62-year-old woman named Martha who had contracted Long Covid applied for Social Security Disability Insurance, but three years later, she still hadn’t received an answer. Martha raised this issue at a town hall meeting hosted by the Spanish-language network Univision where Vice President Kamala Harris was speaking. The problem of delays in determining eligibility for federal disability benefits has become increasingly significant, as over one million Americans apply for disability each year. This was exemplified by the statistic that during the year from October 2022 to September 2023, 30,000 people died while awaiting these decisions.

Although Harris recognizes Long Covid under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), she did not address the issue of waiting times for federal disability benefits. However, a Long Covid-friendly ADA does not automatically mean changes in Social Security practices, indicating the need for action on both issues. Meanwhile, a group of Senators have been questioning how the Social Security Administration is addressing the barriers faced by applicants with Long Covid, but have not received a response. All these aspects point towards a dire need for better services and faster response times for disability benefit applicants.

Univision’s coverage of the town hall, where Martha shared her story, highlights the urgency to streamline and expedite the process of federal disability benefit due to Long Covid. To ensure no one else has to endure similar difficulties, a comprehensive reform should be initiated. This should involve establishing user-friendly platforms where applicants can get the necessary information, track their application status, and receive prompt assistance when required. Guiding people on how to contact SDI (State Disability Insurance), providing a clear pathway to get a hold of Paid Family Leave, and setting up effective edd customer service would be key steps in this direction. Online platforms like eddcaller.com could play a vital role in this comprehensive approach, providing valuable assistance to people seeking help with their disability benefits and insurance claims. By providing users with relevant contact information, up-to-date guidance on how to talk to a representative, and real-time updates on the best times to call, eddcaller.com could serve as a critical lifeline for those in need.