Applying for disability benefits could be frustrating. Firstly, you must meet the strict definition of disability that Social Security has given. Then, you must have also worked and paid taxes to the Administration to be eligible.
It is true that some illnesses or conditions may grant you a faster application process and less waiting time to claim disability benefits. However, it is not always possible.
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Unfortunately, there are more than 1 million Americans waiting for the approval of SSDI. So, if you are disappointed, you should know that you are not alone in this, there are many more applicants in the same boat.
How long does it take for social to make a decision regarding disability benefits?
Nowadays, it takes about 220 days to make a decision about the eligibility of your claim. Apparently, this waiting time has been increased. Bear in mind that it was about 120 days in 2019.
In just four years, claimants have to wait for about 100 days extra. Therefore, the Social Security Administration is not performing well and this could cause hardship among applicants for disability benefits.
Not being able to work, having a family to look after and not having a continuous source of income could be catastrophic. Last week there was a hearing and several experts testified.
They claim that they have seen the effects of waiting for so long and the increase in wait times. Unfortunately, some disability benefits applicants do not live long and they pass away before a decision is made.
Have disability benefits claims increased in the last decade?
No, they have not gone up. Despite the fact that there are fewer applications for Social Security Disability Benefits, wait times have soared. Keep in mind that there has been a decline of about 37% in claims.
There is a similar situation for SSI claims. There have been 49% fewer claims for Supplemental Security Income in the last 12 years. Still, applicants have to wait much longer to know if they qualify or not.
Hopefully, the situation is starting to change. The Social Security Administration is hiring more professionals. Apparently, they seem to be more aware of the fact and they are aiming at reducing wait time for disability benefits decisions.
Even if they are doing something about it, they need to make a bigger effort. Do not forget that Social Security may run out of funds by 2033 if nothing is done about it. So, it is time to use resources properly, look for ways to increase funding, and get rid of the things that cause delays.