Gravity of Massive Delay Explained by Social Security Disability Lawyers in Philadelphia, PA
The Social Security Administration (SSA) is approaching a dark figure of having one million pending disability applications awaiting review and a decision. According to data from the SSA, there were 971,426 pending cases, with 776,660 being initial claims and 194,766 being reconsidered. These figures included both Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and concurrent SSI/SSDI applications. Our Social Security Disability Lawyers in Philadelphia, PA, know this is a massive problem for most families. Some individuals have waited more than a year for their application to be processed, many of whom desperately need this income to help pay for monthly bills and expenses.
Here at Silver & Silver, our compassionate and experienced team understands how devastating these delays can be for individuals who can no longer work due to a disability. We understand how these claims can also impact an entire family, affecting a family’s ability to pay monthly bills, afford gas for vehicles, or pay for staples such as food, diapers, and other basic necessities. If you or a loved one are unable to work due to a disability and need to apply for SSDI or SSI, ask our experienced Social Security Disability lawyers in Philadelphia, PA, for a free consultation to learn how we can help you.
Delays are Not Caused by Increased Applications
The most natural excuse for delays would be increased applications, as that has historically been the case. However, the latest delays in processing SSDI or SSI applications have not resulted from an increase. According to data from the SSA, 2021 saw the lowest number of SSDI applications since 2006 and a 13% to 17% decrease in SSI applications than previous years.
Slower Processing Times are Slowing Down Application Reviews
Part of the delay and backlog is from the closure of SSA field offices and understaffing. As a result of a combination of these factors, applications have gone from being decided in 110-120 days for initial claims to 165 days, and 101-113 days for reconsiderations to 147 days. These are two very long delays that have quickly compounded, given the volume of applications received by the SSA. This also means that mistakes in these applications, which result in a denial or request for future applications, will also cause further delays in processing.
Delays in SSDI/SSI Can Result in Delays in Medical Treatment
Since some uninsured individuals receiving SSDI/SSI may be able to obtain Medicaid or Medicare, delays in processing SSA applications or reconsiderations will also delay applications or entitlement for Medicaid or Medicare. That can mean that some individuals and their families may also delay medical treatment or refuse to seek certain nursing care, home health aides, or other treatment because of a lack of coverage. Thus, the delays with the SSA have greater impacts than just disability.
Are You Still Waiting on Your SSA Application? We Can Help
Although most of these delays are caused by the closure of SSA field offices and reductions in staffing, our experienced team at Silver & Silver knows how important it is to have knowledgable Social Security Disability lawyers in Philadelphia, PA, handle your application. This is because minor errors or mistakes in an application could result in an outright denial or request for information, kicking an application back into the long queue. When delays in initial applications and reconsiderations are at some of their longest in over a decade, applicants need to do everything they can to avoid further delays.
If you or a loved one have applied or are applying for Social Security Disability, call to schedule a free consultation with our seasoned trial Social Security lawyers in Philadelphia, PA, to learn more about your rights by dialing 610-638-7255 or being sending us a message through our “contact us” box available here.
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