• 29
  • August
    2011

Despite recently instituted application reform, Social Security Disability (SSD) determination hearings are backlogged. According to the Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse (TRAC), Syracuse University's data research organization, over 728,000 people are awaiting hearings for their disability claims. This number marks a five percent increase in pending cases. While the Social Security Administration (SSA) disputes the significance of the increase in pending hearings, its own records reveal that the number of pending hearings topped 740,000 as of May 2011.

18.3 million Americans receive more than $180 billion in benefits through the Social Security Disability and Supplemental Security Income programs. The troubled economy, frustrated job market and aging baby boomer population are all likely contributors to the significant number of pending cases.

Advocacy groups, such as the National Organization of Social Security Claimants' Representatives (NOSSCR), have praised voiced concern about how the increased number of applications may impact the agency's ultimate goal of eliminating hearing backlogs by 2013. These advocates make specific recommendations they believe will help the agency uphold its unique mission of serving the nation's most vulnerable populations. Increasing adequate funding so that the SSA can provide for mandated services appropriately, hiring more staff, and replacing the administration's outdated computer systems are just a few suggestions that have been offered.

The SSA has made progress in processing applications for benefits; however, factors outside the agency's control may frustrate its goal of reducing backlogs. If you are in need of SSD benefits, please contact an experienced attorney who can help navigate you through the process and help ensure that you receive your benefits in the timeliest manner possible.