SSA Offices Open After Two Years, Faced with Growing Backlog of Social Security Disability Claims
Field offices, which help process initial SSDI applications, already face a growing volume of claims. SSA data show as of
“A former worker with a disability who needs help today, joins 1,333,408 others currently moving through the four levels of this complex program,” said
About 64% will have their initial application denied and many will begin the long appeal process to a hearing. That’s an average projected wait time of 747 days in total – more than two years. About 50,000 others have appealed their hearing denial to the
“SSA serves millions of people through its field offices every year. ‘Walk ins’ can expect long lines and those who schedule a field office appointment by telephone should be prepared to wait weeks or months for their in-person visit,” said
“A 2021 study by
With over 38 years of experience, Allsup has helped more than 350,000 people with disabilities receive SSDI benefits, which include monthly income, Medicare coverage,
Why Choose a Representative when Seeking SSDI?
Allsup outlines key reasons for working with a representative when seeking SSDI benefits.
- Telling Your Personal Story. A qualified representative understands how to explain and document the impact of your disability on your life and ability to work. Without expert help, your personal and unique story can be often lost in an array of cold government forms.
- Guidance with complexity. The SSDI process is more complex than it appears. Your claim could go through as many as four different SSA units, each with a different responsibility related to your claim. The details and nuances of your work history, FICA payments, vocational factors, medical listings, consultative exams and activities of daily living aren’t easy for most to grasp fully without expert help.
- Avoid lengthy appeals. Having an expert representative when you first apply improves the likelihood that you will get your benefits early. That means a possible six-month wait instead of two to three years.
- Communication support. Communicating with a big government agency can be challenging, especially when it communicates primarily by mail and uses confusing or unfamiliar language. Representatives handle all the communications, make sure you meet SSA deadlines, resolve issues and respond to agency requests for more information about your claim.
- Advocacy for your appeal, if denied. Denials can happen and that means having someone ready to fight for you. A representative helps you understand when to appeal a denial that typically leads to a hearing before an administrative law judge (ALJ). They will develop your claim further for the ALJ’s review, prepare you for the hearing, appear on your behalf and depose government witnesses during the proceedings.
- Medical condition knowledge. Top-notch representatives study medical trends, understand chronic medical conditions and determine how to respond to and document developments. For example, Allsup notes that the
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics recently said employer-reported respiratory illnesses amongU.S. workers increased nearly 4,000% in 2020, signaling long-term effects from COVID-19. Allsup is already seeing and successfully obtaining benefits for many whose disability had been made worse by the virus. - Better rate of approval. Most important, having an experienced representative matters when it comes to getting benefits. Eligible applicants simply have a better chance of success when they have someone advocating for them at each level of the SSDI program. If an applicant appeals a denial and requests a hearing, for example, Allsup’s benefit award rate is 18% higher than the national average of 51%.
Learn more about the basics of SSDI by visiting SSDI 101 before you apply.
To hear from an Allsup customer about his experience, watch this video.
Help with SSDI Claims and Appeals
For more information about applying for SSDI benefits, filing your appeal if you were denied, or to see if you are eligible, visit Allsup.com/apply-for-ssdi or call 1-800-678-3276.
ABOUT ALLSUP
Allsup and its subsidiaries provide nationwide
Attachments
-
Mary Dale Walters , Allsup Senior Vice President ofStrategic Communications -
T.J. Geist ,Allsup Principal Advocate
Rebecca Ray Allsup (618) 236-5065 [email protected]Samantha Fernandez Pinkston (703) 946-0326 [email protected]
Source: Allsup
Chicago-Area Advocates Look To Lawmakers To Protect Undocumented Elderly
Small Business Healthcare Benefits Company Benefix Announces Key Performance Indicators
Advisor News
Annuity News
Health/Employee Benefits News
Life Insurance News