Social Security serves as a lifeline for millions of Americans, but the massive scale of the program has led to significant processing delays, especially in the case of Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). Over recent years, wait times for SSDI have increased substantially, causing many individuals who desperately need these benefits to face prolonged hardships.
Reasons for Longer Wait Times
In the late 2010s, the Social Security Administration (SSA) typically took about 110 to 120 days to process an SSDI claim. Currently, the average wait time is approximately 228 days, or more than seven months. Unfortunately, about 10,000 Americans die each year while their SSDI claims are still pending, according to federal data cited by the AARP.
One of the main reasons for these extended wait times is the growing volume of disability claims, which has led to backlogs in processing. Additionally, the number of Social Security beneficiaries has increased by about 25% over the past decade, while the SSA’s operating budget has decreased during the same period. This budget reduction has resulted in a significant decrease in hiring, with SSA staffing levels dropping to a 25-year low at the end of fiscal year 2022.
Moreover, budget constraints and staffing shortages have further exacerbated the delays. The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) has called on Congress to provide an additional $20 billion to improve the SSA’s customer service performance.
Strict eligibility criteria and a rigorous review process also contribute to the longer wait times, as many initial claims are denied, leading to lengthy appeals. The complexity of the application process, which requires extensive documentation and medical evidence, adds to the delays, making it challenging and time-consuming for applicants to gather the necessary information.
The COVID-19 pandemic has further worsened wait times. The pandemic led to shutdowns, hiring freezes, and higher attrition rates, all of which hindered the SSA’s efficiency. In 2022, the SSA’s Deputy Commissioner for Operations highlighted the urgent need for adequate funding to address the increased SSDI wait times and declining service quality.
Impact on Beneficiaries
For many beneficiaries who rely solely on SSDI benefits for their living expenses, such as housing, food, and medical care, the longer wait times can be devastating, potentially worsening their health conditions. During the application process, applicants do not receive any financial assistance from the SSA. Research indicates that about 8,000 applicants file for bankruptcy, and around 10,000 die each year while waiting for a decision on their SSDI claim.
What Can Beneficiaries Do?
If an SSDI claim becomes stuck in the long waiting queue, there are limited options available to applicants. One effective approach is to seek legal assistance. Engaging an attorney or professional disability advocate can help expedite the SSDI benefits process. According to a 2022 study by the National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER), involving legal help early in the SSDI claim process increases the chances of approval by 23%.
Legal professionals can also assist applicants in presenting their claims in a format more likely to be approved. Additionally, applicants do not need to worry about upfront fees for legal services, as these professionals typically get paid only if the claim is approved. The legal fee, capped by the SSA at 25% of the past-due benefits or $7,200, whichever is less, is deducted from the backpay. If there is no backpay, there is no fee, even if benefits are awarded moving forward.
Efforts to Improve the System
The SSA is aware of the prolonged wait times for SSDI and is making efforts to address the issue, although these efforts have yet to yield the desired results. Resolving the problem requires more resources, improved efficiency in processing claims, and increased support for applicants, all of which depend on adequate funding.
In 2024, the SSA received $14.2 billion for administrative expenses, a slight increase from $14.1 billion in 2023. President Biden’s 2025 fiscal proposal suggests a 9% budget increase for the SSA, bringing it to $15.4 billion compared to 2023 funding levels.
The SSA plans to invest in staffing, including approximately $269 million for field offices, $89 million for hearing centers, and $85 million for processing centers. Additionally, the SSA intends to focus on veteran hiring, training, and retention, as well as partnerships with universities and institutions that serve underserved communities.
The overall goal is to surpass the 2023 year-end staffing levels and begin processing more claims. While the situation may seem uncertain now, improved funding could lead to better outcomes soon.