If you think it’s difficult to apply for and receive SSI or SSDI benefits now, according to the General Accounting Office (GAO), as they say, “you ain’t seen nothin’ yet.” In 2013, the GAO published a report titled “Social Security Administration: Preliminary Observations on Key Management Challenges.” The report outlines a number of problems that the Social Security Administration (SSA) faces in the next several years, and it sorts those problems into four categories: disability issues, human capital, information technology, and physical infrastructure.
Disability payment requests continue to pile up. Initial claims in fiscal year 2012 exceeded fiscal year 2008 levels by 27 percent. The number of disability beneficiaries is expected to rise another 15 percent by 2025. At the hearing level, in fiscal year 2012, SSA fell short of its hearings completion target by more than 54,000 hearings, and the average wait time for hearings, 321 days, exceeded the SSA’s goal by 41 days.
In terms of human capital, SSA faces a declining workforce due to retirement and a hiring freeze. Although not all employees will necessarily retire when eligible, nearly 31,000 Social Security employees will be retirement-eligible by 2020. Naturally, those employees eligible for retirement are the most experienced. Social Security has already lost hundreds of staffers with experience in handling the most complicated disability claims.
Social Security also has perennial problems with their computer systems and their ability to safeguard sensitive data. In 2012, for example, the GAO found that a former SSA staffer used her position to provide sensitive data to a person outside the agency, who is in turn accused of using the data for an illegal purpose.
What Applicants Should Know About Delays and System Limitations
The Social Security Administration (SSA) continues to face challenges as it works to modernize its systems and facilities. While efforts are being made to improve infrastructure, a Government Accountability Office (GAO) study found that long-term planning remains limited. Unlike other federal agencies, the SSA has been hesitant to consolidate or close offices, emphasizing that in-person interaction remains a key part of its service approach.
However, these challenges can contribute to delays and inefficiencies in processing disability claims. For applicants, this means longer wait times and a more complex process when applying for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits.
If your application has been denied or you are navigating any stage of the process, working with an experienced Social Security disability attorney can make a significant difference. A skilled attorney can assist with applications, gather the necessary medical evidence, and represent you during hearings.
Because the process can take time and involve multiple steps, it’s important to act quickly. If you believe you qualify for SSI or SSDI benefits, contact an experienced Social Security disability attorney as soon as possible to protect your rights and improve your chances of success.