Sequester budget cuts could make processing even longer for SSDI claims

Sequester budget cuts could make processing even longer for SSDI claims

The $85 million in 2013 federal government spending cuts under the Budget Control Act that automatically went into effect on March 1, 2013, will probably affect most people subtly and slowly, but some will feel the heat from the sequestration cuts intensely.

Especially likely to be hurt are people disabled from working by physical and mental impairments, or combinations of impairments, with pending or soon-to-be-filed applications with the Social Security Administration for Social Security Disability Insurance or Supplemental Security Income.

SSA customer service impacted

Employees of the agency may also be affected with reduced hours and possible furloughs because while money benefits already being paid out will not be cut, the money that pays to operate the federal agency will be cut by 8 percent, according to The Baltimore Sun. Out of a budget of $11.5 billion, that is a big loss of funds for the SSA.

The Baltimore Sun article cites federal officials as saying that the cuts to SSA will make telephone hold times even longer and would extend the processing time on disability benefit decisions a month.

Likewise, The Christian Science Monitor says that the White House warns of "substantial growth in the backlog of Social Security disability claims." Some speculate in the media that SSA may even close offices.

The Herald Palladium interviewed a Social Security employee at a staff rally in Michigan against the sequester cuts. The employee expressed concern about the negative impact on SSA customer service to needy and disabled Americans. She also told of reduced hours and already-announced furlough days when employees will be unable to work.

An already inadequate system

The SSA is already notorious for taking weeks, months and even years to correctly process applications for SSDI, a federal disability insurance program and for SSI, a federal cash benefit program for disabled, blind and elderly Americans in poverty. Budget cuts could draw out application processing times even longer for people already in dire physical, emotional and financial straits who really need their benefits.

Legal advocacy

While it has always been important for SSDI and SSI applicants to discuss their claims with experienced attorneys, with the budget cuts likely to negatively impact claims processing, retaining a lawyer early on may become especially crucial. Having a legal advocate at your side to make sure the medical evidence of disability is fully developed before the agency and that required procedures are followed can help to speed up processing time and increase the likelihood of an accurate finding of disability at an earlier stage.

Article provided by Steven R. Jacobs
Visit us at www.indianadisabilitylaw.com

Contact Information: FL Web Advantage


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