If you or a loved one have become unable to work due to an illness or injury and are thinking of applying for Social Security Disability (SSD) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you are probably concerned about the changes at the Social Security Administration (SSA). Every day there are announcements in the news about cutting staffing at the SSA by 7,000 to 10,000 employees in the interests of improving government efficiency.
Anyone who has tried to call or visit an SSA field office already knows customer service at the agency is suffering. What you might not know is that it is due to short staffing and being underfunded by Congress. The SSA currently is experiencing the lowest level of staff it has had in 50 years. The agency has a workforce of 57,000 to serve more than 70.6 million beneficiaries, plus new retirees and new claimants for SSD and SSI. There is also a backlog of 1 million SSD claims waiting for a final decision on benefits.
This does not mean the SSA is in danger of collapsing, or that you should not file an application for SSD or SSI. It simply means there may be more challenges and more delays before you get your benefits, and that it is even more helpful to have a qualified attorney who handles SSD/SSI working on your claim.
Our firm has been helping clients obtain SSD and SSI benefits for 45 years. We have successfully assisted more than 22,000 clients with SSD/SSI claims. Our staff has kept up with changes in this process for more than four decades, and we expect we will be able to work with the SSA to provide the best possible services for our clients through this latest transition.
Contact our offices to speak with a knowledgeable claimants’ representatives handling SSD and SSI. We will guide you through the process by providing:
- frequent communication;
- the best possible evidence to prove your case;
- and one-on-one support as you pursue your claim.
Don’t wait to apply for SSD or SSI, the sooner you get started, the sooner you will reach an outcome — let us help you make it a positive one! Contact us at 1-800 343-8537 or through our website: www.jeffreyfreedman.com.
Will we lose the SSA?
The SSA has been serving Americans since 1935 and has wide-spread bipartisan popularity. It administers benefits to 72.5 million retirees, individuals with disabilities and survivors. More than 161 million workers pay into the program through their payroll taxes. Public support for the SSA is strong, ensuring it will continue to be the foundation of financial security in America.
Should I still apply for SSD?
Yes. You have already paid for protection through your FICA taxes. If you are unable to work due to an injury or illness and expect to continue to be off work for at least a year or have a terminal condition, you should apply as soon as possible. Working with Jeffrey Freedman Attorneys, PLLC, will significantly improve your chances of being approved in the shortest amount of time possible.
How will the changes at SSA affect my claim?
The staffing shortages and changes in procedures may slow down some of the application and appeals processes, but we will do everything we can to keep your claim on track and processed in a timely manner. Due to the cuts it’s possible there will be delays in: initial claim processing; applications and appeals decisions; scheduling disability hearings; and payment processing. It will be challenging for the agency to address the existing backlog and work on new claims at the same time, so new claims may take longer to process.
What will the Freedman firm do to save processing time?
We have always worked to provide our clients with the highest possible level of service. The SSA has its own pace, which is beyond our control, however our expertise helps us work with them and our clients for the most successful outcomes. We find these three things critically important:
- Our communication with SSA offices to track your claim and find any potential obstacles early.
- Ensuring your application is prepared thoroughly and that it includes all of the required documentation.
- Keeping you informed throughout the process and being available to answer your questions and concerns as they arise.
Why does the process take so long?
Since the pandemic, when the SSA had to close field offices, a backlog of 1 million cases has developed. Congress has not increased the agency’s funding so they have not been able to add staff to decrease the backlog. Now they face even more short-staffing, making it more difficult to handle their workloads. Some staff who were working remotely are being called back to their offices, which could affect their operations. These factors may create delays in decision making, the scheduling of hearings, and the processing of payments.
What can I do to keep my claim on track?
- Make sure your healthcare providers send any new medical information to the SSA.
- Stay in touch with us and we will keep you updated as to where your claim stands and if any new evidence is required.
- Keep yourself up-to-date about SSA Work Incentives: There is a Ticket to Work program which offers you work opportunities, yet protects your earned benefits. This may provide you a minimal income to help you financially.
Jeffrey Freedman Attorneys has been handling SSD claims for 45 years — we know how frustrating it is for our clients to experience delays in their claims. We are focused on providing excellent service and presenting all of the evidence necessary to get you a positive outcome in the least time possible.