Baltimore Social Security Disability Lawyers: Congress Funding for Backlog
February 22, 2017For those who have become disabled and are unable to work, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) provides much needed financial relief. Unfortunately, too many applicants have had to wait months, even years, for a decision on their claim. The problem with the backlog has gained the attention of members of Congress, who have decided to step in to provide funding.
Currently, there are over one million people who are waiting for approval on their Social Security disability claims. Congress has designated nearly $150 million that the Social Security Administration can use to settle existing claims for those who have been waiting for their benefits. The Social Security Administration can allocate the funds towards a number of initiatives, including hiring Administrative Law Judges and other support staff that have specific expertise in the area of Social Security disability.
Studies indicate that the average time applicants wait for a hearing decision is 26 months. Every day, thousands of people face serious health issues and financial devastation while they wait for their benefits to come through. It is important for these people to know that the Social Security Administration has the resources to do something about this backlog and get more applicants’ claims approved on a timely basis.
In 2016, the SSA hired more judges than it had in the previous two years in an effort to reduce wait times in the long term. Despite this increase, it may be some time before things get better. Judges must complete training before they can focus their efforts on the backlog issue. The national average wait time for claimants is 543 days, and thousands more have to wait even longer, sometimes up to 700 days.
Important Step to Avoid a Lengthy Wait
If you are considering applying for benefits, it is in your best interest to get advice from an experienced Social Security disability lawyer. Your lawyer can offer professional advice and guidance on how to complete the application in a way that will ensure the best possible outcome. If your claim has already been denied, a skilled Social Security disability lawyer can help you navigate the system and work towards getting your claim approved.
Baltimore Social Security Disability Lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton Ensure that you Receive Full Disability Benefits
If you are applying for Social Security Disability Insurance, have had your claim denied, or been forced to wait for months or more to have your claim approved, you are urged to contact the reputable Baltimore Social Security disability lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton as soon as possible. We will work tirelessly on your behalf to ensure that you receive the full benefits you deserve in reasonable amount of time. To arrange a free consultation with a member of our skilled legal team, call us today at 800-547-4LAW (4529) or contact us online.
Our offices are located in Baltimore, Columbia, Glen Burnie, and Towson, allowing us to assist clients throughout Maryland, including those in Anne Arundel County, Carroll County, Harford County, Howard County, Montgomery County, Maryland’s Western Counties, Southern Maryland, and the Eastern Shore, as well as the communities of Catonsville, Essex, Halethorpe, Middle River, Rosedale, Gwynn Oak, Brooklandville, Dundalk, Pikesville, Parkville, Nottingham, Windsor Mill, Lutherville, Timonium, Sparrows Point, Ridgewood, and Elkridge.