REPRESENTATIVE ESCOBAR LEADS TEXAS DEMOCRATS IN REQUESTING INVESTIGATION INTO SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY INSURANCE WAIT TIMES

The following information was released by the office of Texas Rep. Veronica Escobar:

Representative Veronica Escobar (TX-16) led the Democratic Texas Delegation in a letter to the Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General (OIG) requesting an investigation into the wait times for processing Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) applications, which have seen a substantial increase over the past 21 months.

The full letter can be found here or below:

Dear Ms. Anderson,

Over the last 21 months, our offices have seen a steep incline in the processing times of Social Security Disability Insurance applications, leading to many families struggling to make ends meet. We write to request the Office of Inspector General (OIG) at the Social Security Administration (SSA) conduct an official investigation into the wait-times for SSDI applications in Texas.

As you know, SSDI provides monthly payments to eligible individuals who have a disability that either stops or limits their ability to work. For many of our constituents who are unable to work due to a disability, SSDI is their only source of income, so any delays in the processing of their SSDI applications or benefits can have serious consequences.

While we understand that SSDI payments cannot begin until five full calendar months from the date that a disability began, our offices have seen the processing times for the SSDI applications skyrocket. In El Paso, Texas, constituents have seen the processing timelines increase from six to eight months to 10-12 months. Many of our constituents who are applying for SSDI do not have the means to financially float 12 months without income.

We are deeply concerned about how these increased wait-times affect Texas families and urge you to conduct an office OIG investigation into the source of these delays. Specifically, we request that you investigate the following questions:

What is the current processing timeline for new SSDI applications in Texas? a. How does this compare to processing timelines in 2025, 2024, and 2023? b. How does this compare to the national average for SSDI application processing?

What is the average response time to Congressional inquiries regarding SSDI applications in Texas?

Is there a difference in response times to Congressional inquiries from Republican Members of Congress versus Democratic Members of Congress in Texas? If so, what is the difference in response times?

How do current response times to Congressional inquires compare to 2025, 2024, and 2023 response times to Congressional inquiries?

What are the current staffing levels of SSA field offices in Texas? a. How do these staffing levels compare to staffing in 2025, 2024, and 2023?

What is the source of the delays in processing SSDI?

Are the delays a result in slower processing of disability determinations by the Texas Health and Human Services agency? If so, why are there delays in processing disability determinations?

Are the delays a result of Reductions-in-Force (RIFs) at the SSA? 5. What steps does the OIG recommend, the Texas Health and Human Services agency and the SSA do to ensure that processing times for SSDI application are minimal?

We respectfully request your timely consideration of this request. Texans with disabilities deserve a federal government that works for them, not one that delays the benefits they need to make ends meet.

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In addition to Representative Escobar, the signers of this letter include Texas Representatives Johnson, Doggett, Veasey, Garcia, Fletcher, Gonzalez, Menefee, Cuellar, Green, and Castro.