Social Security Disability and Long Covid

I don't normally post a lot of articles because generally I feel that the media doesn't understand Social Security Disability benefits, but here is a link to a wonderful article written by Ms. Morgan Stephens at CNN Business. Ms. Stephens writes one of the most accurate stories I have ever read about the state of Social Security Disability. While the article focuses on Long Covid, the delays and frustrations are truly applicable to all those with severe disabilities trying to obtain benefits before the Social Security Administration currently. Give it a read: https://www.cnn.com/2023/02/25/business/long-covid-workforce-issues-disability-claims/index.html

Got a question about SSDI or SSI that you need us to answer? Please check out our website at www.westcoastdisability.com . We try to provide you with helpful information on our website that will allow you to successfully navigate the Social Security Disability process. Also, feel free to email me your questions at megan@westcoastdisability.com or call me at (800) 459-3017 x 101.

6 Highlights From the Social Security Administration’s Operating Plan for 2023

 Acting Commissioner, Kilolo Kijakazi, Ph.D., M.S.W., released some details about the Social Security Administration’s (“SSA’s”) proposed workload and performance measures based on the budget that SSA received for 2023. SSA received an approximately $785 million dollar increase, which may sound like a lot on money (it is), but it was still $645 million less than what was requested to help rebuild the struggling SSA. Here are 6 highlights from Acting Commissioner Kijakazi’s letter to the Committee on Appropriations:

1.      SSA plans to rebuild their workforce because they have the lowest staffing levels in 25 years.

2.      SSA will have the same degree of overtime that they did for Fiscal Year 2022.

3.      SSA hopes to reduce the average wait time for initial determinations below the 206-day average wait time seen in 2022.

4.      SSA hopes to reduce the hearing wait times to 390-days for 2023 and are hopeful to reduce it to only a 270-day average waiting period for a hearing in 2024. Keep in mind these are just the waiting period goals for the hearing levels. It doesn’t include the waiting period at the initial application or reconsideration levels.

5.      SSA is expecting that the average wait times for their (800) 772-1213 number will increase in 2023 by two minutes from a 33 to a 35 average minute wait. SSA’s goal is to answer calls in 12 minutes, so they recognize they are failing when it comes to answering the phone.

6.      SSA also expects that there will be an increase in the receipt of busy signals compared to 2022 when calling the National 800 Number. SSA expects that callers will receive a busy signal 15 percent of the time compared to 6 percent of the time in 2022. Moral of the story – only call the (800) number if it is your last resort.

You can’t have a robust system if you do not have an adequate budget to improve services. Overall, I get the impression that waiting times at stages may improve, but general service will not. Keep in mind that if you do not demand an in-person hearing, you can get a hearing scheduled in about half the average waiting time, which is why my office is not objecting to phone or video hearings.

Acting Commissioner Kijakazi’s full statement is available here at: https://www.ssa.gov/budget/assets/materials/2023/2023OP.pdf.

 Got a question about SSDI or SSI that you need us to answer? Please check out our website at www.westcoastdisability.com . We try to provide you with helpful information on our website that will allow you to successfully navigate the Social Security Disability process. Also, feel free to email me your questions at megan@westcoastdisability.com or call me at (800) 459-3017 x 101.