What’s Going To Happen With Social Security Disability?

The new, incoming administration has introduced cost-cutting measures, staffing changes and policy adjustments. For the Social Security Administration (SSA), adding these new developments with their pre-existing claims backlog is cause for anyone to ask, “What’s going to happen now?”

If you’re applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), considering doing so or awaiting a decision, you may be wondering how these changes might affect you. This article answers some of the top questions we’re hearing from our customers about potential SSDI claim delays and explains how Allsup’s experienced team continues to advocate for you throughout the process.

Is the Social Security Administration going away?

There is no evidence that the SSA is going away. This vital agency has been serving Americans since 1935, and it remains one of the most impactful social programs in the country. The SSA administers benefits to more than 72.5 million people, including retirees, individuals with disabilities and survivors. Additionally, over 161 million workers contribute to the program through their payroll taxes.

Recent news about changes within the SSA stems from staffing reductions, adjustments to remote work policies and leadership transitions with the new administration. While these factors may cause some operational challenges, they do not signal the end of Social Security. In fact, public support for the SSA remains strong, ensuring its continued presence as a cornerstone of financial security for millions of Americans.

Think of the SSA like a major highway under construction: temporary delays may occur, but the long-term improvements will make the journey smoother for everyone.

Should I still apply for SSDI despite the potential delays?

Absolutely. SSDI provides critical financial support and access to Medicare for individuals with disabilities, and you’ve likely already paid for this protection through your FICA payroll taxes. If you are unable to work due to an injury or illness and expect to be out for at least a year, or have a terminal condition, you owe it to yourself and your family to apply as soon as possible.

With an experienced representative like Allsup, you have a significantly greater likelihood of getting approved for benefits. We’re experts in helping people to get approved, with over 400,000 successful customers. We help more claimants get approved at the application level than any other SSDI representative nationwide. So when you apply with an expert like Allsup, you improve your chances of getting approval with your application and avoiding appeals and delays. For more than 40 years, we’ve been building our record of successful representation with newly awarded customers every day.

How might SSA changes affect my claim?

We’ll do everything we can to ensure your claim is processed as early in the process as possible. SSA staffing shortages and procedural updates may slow down certain aspects of the application and appeals process. You may experience delays with:

• Initial claim processing.
• Application and appeals decisions.
• Scheduling of disability hearings.
• Payment processing.

SSA is working to modernize its systems and improve efficiency, but these initiatives take time to implement. While we do not set the SSA’s criteria or timeline, we do everything in our power to move your claim forward as quickly as possible.

Will this cause my claim to take longer?

It is possible Social Security will experience longer delays. Based on their history, delays happen with lower staffing levels. The federal government’s focus on reducing staffing, as well as bringing remote workers back into the office, may affect their operations. We could see longer wait times for application and appeals decisions, hearing scheduling and payment processing.

Another common reason for delays has been the backlog of claims the SSA has to process. While the backlog has varied over time, SSA has not received an increased budget from Congress. This means they cannot hire staff to handle their increased workload. Allsup does our best to get our customers approved as early in the process as possible. We help more claimants get approved at the application level than any other SSDI representative nationwide.

What is Allsup doing to help during these delays?

Allsup already operates at the highest level of service for our customers, and our experienced disability specialists remain dedicated to guiding you through the SSDI process. Here’s what we do to help minimize the impact of SSA changes:

1. Communication: We stay in contact with SSA offices to monitor your claim’s status and identify potential obstacles early.
2. Thorough Application Preparation: We ensure your application includes all required documentation, reducing the risk of processing delays.
3. Personalized Support: Our representatives keep you informed throughout the process, answering your questions and addressing concerns as they arise.

It is important to remember that while we don’t set the pace or criteria for SSDI decisions (the SSA does), we are the oldest, most experienced organization in the industry. With more than four decades of experience and a track record of successfully securing benefits for hundreds of thousands of individuals, Allsup continues to be a trusted resource during these challenging times.

Why is my application/hearing/payment taking so long?

There are a few reasons causing this delay. The SSA has been struggling with its operations and workloads since the pandemic. Their claims backlog at the initial application has been especially long – with more than one million claims pending. In addition, Congress has not increased the agency’s funding, which means they’re unable to increase staffing to handle the growing workloads.

Unfortunately, it is possible Social Security will experience longer delays. The federal government’s focus on reducing staffing, as well as bringing remote workers back into the office, may affect SSA’s operations. We could see longer wait times for application and appeals decisions, hearing scheduling and payment processing.

Is there anything I can do while waiting for my claim to process?

While SSA manages your application, you can take these steps to stay up-to-date:

• Update Your Medical Records: Be sure your healthcare providers send any new medical evidence to SSA.
• Stay in Touch with Allsup: Our representatives can provide status updates and guidance.
• Learn About SSA Work Incentives: Programs like Ticket to Work offer employment opportunities while protecting your earned benefits.

By staying informed and working closely with Allsup, you’ll have the best possible chance of a timely, successful outcome.

Your SSDI Claim Is in Capable Hands with Allsup

We know delays are frustrating and realize this has an impact on your life and the life of your loved ones. Our team remains focused on meeting SSA requirements, monitoring changes with their offices and staying in communication with the SSA.

Please continue to contact us whenever you hear from the SSA regarding your case. We’ll let you know as we receive updates or new information about your claim as well. With over 40 years’ experience and more than 400,000 customers approved for SSDI, you can trust Allsup to tell your story.