December 12, 2022

Wait Times Increase for Disability Benefits as Social Security Offices Struggle Financially

State operations that review Social Security disability claims face massive backlogs, leaving Americans with disabilities waiting months and even years for judgments. To combat the crisis, House and Senate Democrats are calling for a drastic boost in funding for the Social Security Administration (SSA) to increase staffing, improve technology and expand other investments as the agency confronts the situation.

Senate Finance Committee Chairman Ron Wyden (OR) is among those sounding the alarm about unacceptable delays facing disabled Americans to even find out if they are eligible for benefits. The calls for action follow a Washington Post report Monday on delays at state offices that process applications for Social Security’s two disability programs.

“The additional SSA funding is badly needed, or the delays will get even worse,” said Richard Fiesta, Executive Director of the Alliance. “People with disabilities cannot afford to wait years to learn whether they are eligible for benefits. Their bills are due now.”