If you are thinking about filing for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you might want to know the truth about social security disability delays. if you are not already suffering from depression (mental problems are a common basis for an application for benefits) then my response may add to your condition.
A little background is in order. You can file an initial application online by yourself; if you are denied, you can appeal by requesting ‘Reconsideration’. At the next step, if you are denied at Reconsideration and have not given up, you can request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge. If you lose in front of the Judge you can appeal further, but I will not address further appeals and depress you further.
HOW BAD ARE THE SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY DELAYS?
According to the Social Security Administration (SSA), more than 2.3 million Americans applied for Social Security disability insurance benefits in 2016. At the end of 2016, almost 4% of Florida’s roughly 20 million residents were receiving Social Security Disability benefits. This includes spouses and children of disabled individuals.
More than 76,000 Floridians are currently waiting for hearing before an Administrative Law Judge regarding their Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits. This is like a very long line at the bakery waiting for your number to be called for service. And just like the bakery, no one can push ahead.
Currently, just about 45% of people who apply for Social Security disability benefits are awarded their benefits, many only after hearings before an Administrative Law Judge. From the time of the initial application to a hearing (if not accepted at an earlier level of application) hearing takes an average of:
- 23 months Miami
- 20.5 months in Fort Lauderdale
- 20 months in Jacksonville
- 21 months in Orlando (a little shorter than getting on the Peter Pan ride)
The backlog started increasing rapidly about 10 years ago. There are now more than a million people across the country waiting for hearings. Adding to the strain, the Social Security Administration’s core operating budget has shrunk by 10 percent since 2010. Attorneys that represent SSDI claims can do little about speeding up the process but experience lawyers can increase the odds of winning an appeal by over 50%.
We have been fighting for the rights of South Floridians since 1985. Watch one of our clients experience and call us for a FREE consultation.