A Las Vegas television station recently documented the story of one man’s long wait to receive Social Security disability benefits. It’s a story that could be retold by every TV station in every city of our nation. The waiting times are simply too long, and as a result, disabled people suffer. If you need to receive Social Security disability payments in southern California, contact an experienced Los Angeles Social Security disability attorney, and do it immediately. It genuinely takes some time to begin receiving your benefits, and even an experienced attorney can’t make it happen magically. You’ll need to pay attention to your attorney’s advice and try to be patient while you wait.
John Hooton, 52, of Henderson, Nevada, is one of thousands frustrated over the wait to appeal the denial of Social Security disability benefits, according to KTNV News in Las Vegas. Hooton is disabled by back trouble and unable to work. He first applied for Social Security disability benefits in early 2013. He said his claim was denied twice, most recently in July 2014. Now, Hooton is appealing the denial to a judge, but he’s been left waiting to find out about a hearing date. Others are waiting too. The average time between a hearing request and a decision was 422 days in fiscal year 2014, according to the Social Security Administration. At the end of the fiscal year, there were roughly 970,000 cases pending nationwide. The agency blames the backlog on several factors, including the growing number of baby boomers who are aging and prone to injuries. Limited funding and budget cuts have also contributed to the increased wait times.
Use the extra time to your advantage. While waiting for a hearing, make sure you compile the evidence you need to support your disability claim. An experienced disability attorney knows exactly what a Social Security administrative law judge needs to approve your disability benefits. If you’re applying to obtain Social Security disability benefits in southern California, get the help you need and call an experienced Los Angeles Social Security disability attorney immediately. With such long wait times, you need to get started – now.