Social Security Disability applications have decreased, yet SSDI wait times have skyrocketed. As a result, people are waiting far too long for vital disability decisions at all levels of the Social Security Disability process. Nobody wants this. What has happened? More importantly, what is being done about it?
SSA’s Office of Audit recently reported that the Covid shutdown backed everything up—even though fewer applicants were filing claims.
Indeed, statistics show that during the pandemic, from February 2019 to February 2023, people filed fewer new disability claims each month. One would think SSDI wait times would decrease too. Instead, the wait times for decisions on initial applications actually grew from 4 months to almost 7 ½ months—a 76% increase.
Why are the Disability Claims Backlogs and Wait Times Growing?
Backlogs and delays are mainly due to the Covid shutdown and corresponding hiring freeze, loss of experienced staff, and unprecedented attrition rates across the SSA during the pandemic.
SSA also expects an additional backlog in claims through the end of fiscal year 2023.
Years of SSDI Underfunding Made Worse by Covid-19 Pandemic
Inflated backlogs and unacceptable wait times have always been a concern. However, before the COVID pandemic hit in 2019, SSA had begun making real progress in reducing the SSDI wait times at the hearing level.
In March 2020, DDS offices shut down to protect their staff, causing a temporary halt to the Social Security Disability claims process. Today, SSA is still trying to recover from the effects of the pandemic.
Tens of thousands of SSDI applicants have been waiting for months to hear back from the SSA. In February, nationwide pending cases reached a new high with 994,000 initial applications.
In 2022 testimony by SSA Deputy Commissioner for Operations Grace Kim, Congress was informed that adequate funding is urgently needed to repair unacceptable SSDI wait times and deterioration in service.
In Deputy Commissioner Kim’s words,
“We are facing our lowest staffing level in 25 years. This is driven by insufficient funding over multiple years to hire the level of staff needed, and higher than average attrition rates across the agency. Our funding level will constrain our ability to add the necessary staff to reduce the backlogs that have built up during the pandemic.”
“… As we dig out from the effects of the pandemic, we must have sustained funding for the public to have continued confidence not just in our agency, but in government.”
Proper funding will ensure, among other needs,
- Critically needed hires (front-line operations including DDS, field offices, teleservice centers, and processing centers)
- In-depth training
- Reinstatement of overtime
- Technology modernization
For a free legal consultation, call 800-562-9830
SSDI Wait Times in 2023 – Here’s what to Expect
USA Facts has compiled SSA disability claim data through March 2023 to reveal likely wait times for initial disability claims and appeals.
Average national SSDI wait times as of March 2023
Initial Disability Claims:
Claimants receiving decisions (approvals and/or denials) on initial disability claims had an average wait time of 222 days (about 7 ½ months.). Compare this to a wait time of 133 days in February 2020 (about 4 ½ months).
Disability Appeals:
After the initial claim is denied (which on average takes 222 days), SSDI claimants have four chances to appeal, taking each step in order. The summary below shows cumulative SSDI wait times.
- Request for reconsideration (this happens at DDS offices)Up to 183 days.
Total wait time could reach 7 months, 12 days. - Hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ Hearing)
Up to 334 days. Total wait time could reach 1 year, 1 month, 10 days.
NOTE: It is at this step, the ALJ hearing, that most appealed claims are won.
- Review by the Appeals Council
Up to 264 days.
Total time could reach 2 years, 9 days. - File a Lawsuit in Federal District Court
Up to 280 days.
Total wait time could reach 3 years, 6 months, 8 days.
Going Forward – Will Congress Approve the Budget SSA Needs?
On SSA’s behalf, in 2022 President Biden requested Congress to pass a 2023 budget of $14.773 billion to cover fixed costs and support increased staffing. Unfortunately, what Congress enacted fell $645 million short.
In March 2023, the Biden Administration released its Fiscal Year 2024 SSA budget proposals to Congress. The 2024 budget request is $15.5 billion, a nearly $1.4 billion or 10 percent increase from the 2023 enacted level.
The 2024 federal fiscal year begins Oct. 1.
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What Can You Do to Minimize Your SSDI Wait Times?
We address and rebut in detail every reason underlying the denial.
Marc Whitehead & Associates will fill out and develop your initial Social Security disability application so that it clearly demonstrates you are disabled or unable to perform any work. We will build your original claim to have the best chance of being approved for the highest benefit possible.
Was your initial claim denied? We will develop your case to be in the absolute best position to win on appeal. We handle all communications, prepare all medical and vocational evidence necessary, and build up the claim correctly to appeal the denial.
Less than one of every three claims not represented by an attorney is approved.
With proper SSDI disability claim attorney representation, the number of successful Social Security Disability claims doubles. Until SSDI wait times decrease, getting help from an experienced social security disability lawyer is your best strategy.
Contact us immediately to get help in securing SSDI benefits and getting the compensation your family deserves. We serve clients nationwide. Call us at (800) 562-9830 today. We do not charge any fees until we win.
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