Wait Times for Social Security Disability Appeals Hearings Are Growing

March 14, 2014

It seems to be a case of taking one step forward and two steps back when it comes to the Social Security Administration (SSA) addressing the problem of it’s increasing backlog of claims awaiting a hearing for a decision.

SSA data shows that as of December of last year, there are 903,720 individuals awaiting a hearing on an appeal of their Social Security Disability (SSD) claim. This is an almost 7 percent increase from the number gathered at the end of the 2013 fiscal year and a 17 percent jump from 2011. Researchers were also able to conclude there were longer wait times for SSD hearings as well. The average wait time is now 393 days, compared with the 382-day wait period reported at the end of the 2013 fiscal year.

These numbers leave many claimants wondering what they should do when planning to file a Social Security Disability Appeal. Some actions that should be considered include:

• Don’t Give Up- When a claim is denied, its easy to let following up fall to the wayside. However, doing so can be extremely detrimental to an individual’s claim, as waiting too long could affect vital work history.
• Document Everything- The SSA closely examines individuals’ work histories up to the past decade and will consider all notes and medical records during an appeals hearing, which is why it is so important to have every bit of information that is available regarding your case.
• Get Help!– The Social Security Disability Lawyers with Fleschner, Stark, Tanoos & Newlin recognize how complex the process can be and are here to offer assistance to anyone who is considering applying for SSD or who has a claim that was denied in the past.