What is going on in SSA Field offices?

[manderson]

Hello,
I have been searching for a good disability forum and it looks like I have found a good one. I have been trying to get my Disability approved for over 4 years and it makes me wonder, what in the world is going on in SSA Field offices, why can't they get these claims approved? What on earth are the claim representatives doing all day?

I am running out of patience:mad:

[Pookie]

What on earth are the claim representatives doing all day?
Playing catch-up.

How far are you in the process? Reconsideration? Awaiting an ALJ hearing (state or federal level)?

I know in my state only the initial application is processed at the local level. After that, all further claims are handled out of the state capatol's office.

Most states have a severe backlog because a few years ago, the Federal gubmen decided to place a hiring freeze at the state level. Also, there are not enough judges to handle the ALJ hearings because of retirement and/or qualifications.

In my case it took 4 years from initial application until I got my first payment (backpay). The delay was because there is a 4 year backlog AND all the ALJ judges decided to retire all at the same time in the state I reside in. :eek:

I should also point out that prior to filing for SSDI, I did a lot of research. Therefore, I knew what I was getting into & made preparations.


If you are represented by an attorny, ask him/her about the delay. They can give you a better answer about your state's delay than anyone in here can.

[peaches]

Hello,
I have been searching for a good disability forum and it looks like I have found a good one. I have been trying to get my Disability approved for over 4 years and it makes me wonder, what in the world is going on in SSA Field offices, why can't they get these claims approved? What on earth are the claim representatives doing all day?

I am running out of patience:mad:

You may not like parts or all of my answer, but I am going to try to answer your question.

Not all claims for disability should be approved. Not all claimants for disability are unable to engage in substantial gainful employment. Some people who apply for disability benefits are capable of holding down some kind of job, perhaps not what they did before, not what they like doing, not something that pays as well as the job they had before. Since I know nothing about you, I am not saying you fall into any of these categories.

Actually, going through the process of denying claims is often much more work than approving claims, especially at the hearings level. An ALJ who wants lots of clearances off of his/her docket would succeed at that by approving every case he/she sees. Fully favorable decisions are easier to write because favorable decisions are not appealed to a higher deciding authority (civil court) and don't need as much legal justification as a denial.

I took an SSI claim from a mother of an active toddler. She said his disability was that "he bangs his head when he was mad". I asked what did the doctor say when she told the doctor. She said she hadn't told the doctor. She had never had any tests run, she could not list any other symptoms, had no plans to tell the pediatrician in the near future. The child was on Medicaid so she could take him to a doctor for free. I thought the DDS could just deny it for lack of evidence, but was told that due process required that SSA either conduct a full consultative exam or get a report from a treating physician that indicated nothing was abnormal about the child. It took some work, but I finally got the mother to remember the name of the pediatrician. It took several weeks before the claim could be denied appropriIately.

Anyway, if the DDS or SSA staff could just approve everyone who walked in the door and stated they were disabled, claims processing would be much faster. Could probably have a drive-thru - place your order, sign at window 1 and get a check at window 2. Okay, a little facetious. Sometimes the humor doesn't show through the Internet.

Staffing at SSA is a multi-decade low. Institutional knowledge has been running out the door in droves as the people with experience are retiring in record numbers over the last 5 years. Upgrades in computer processing and programs can be very helpful, but the "legacy" systems still have to be accessed and by employees who have little to no experience in doing it. Personally, I can still make change for a dollar without a cash register telling me how to do it, but those 20-somethings have a hard time of it. I read recently that some elementary school children cannot read cursive writing at all because they are no longer taught how to do it.

Too much work. Always playing catchup. Employees want to do their jobs well, but are not given time to do so. You or your attorney needs to be proactive. I would assume that you have had unfavorable decisions made on your claim in the last four years, so the employees must be doing some work. Just not what you want. The staff is neither on your side nor against you. They just want to get their work done.

[Robin0203]

My sister worked for ALJs for years. She admitted last year "I never saw anyone who was overworked." She told me (and she traveled to different offices) that working for SS and IRS (where she also worked) was one long coffee break compared to the real world. She retired and is now working in the real world. She only told me this after I was complaining and complaining. Of course she said she worked hard. LOL

[manderson]

Very interesting Robin, that's good to know!

Peaches...Thank you for the informative post. You are right, I have had many unfavorable decisions. Appeal after appeal, I will take this up with my lawyer and see if we can get things sped up. Didn't mean to beat on one group of people at SSA, just very frustrating.

[vision-master]

I don't know. The Public pension plan I'm collecting from had me see two of their doctors. They both said I couldn't work SGA - case closed. This took less than one Month. SS delays claims on purpose hoping you get a job while you starve to death or just die and go away before any monies have been allocated. :mad:

[Robin0203]

SS sent me to two drs, they both agreed I should be receiving SSD. SSD denied me. There "experts" felt that they knew more than the physicians. It's just a game to them. Delay long enough in hopes you die or give up. I am waiting for a hearing, been waiting for close to a year...............:mad: