As a Greater New Orleans SSDI attorney, I am well aware of the backlog faced by many Social Security Disability applicants. A recent report by the Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse (TRAC) indicates that the disability hearing backlog continues to grow. SSA Commissioner Michael Astrue released a press release disputing the report and argued that the raw numbers do not matter. You can decide for yourself.
In a story reported in USA Today, the TRAC report found that the backlog increased 5% in the last year (from March 2010 through March 2011). All told, approximately 741,000 denied disability applications are awaiting a hearing and/or decision from SSA. This is an increase from the number of denied Social Security disability applicants waiting for a hearing when Commissioner Astrue launched his plan to reduce the backlog over 4 years ago.
However, there is some good news. SSA refutes and disputes the findings and conclusions of the TRAC report. Astrue points out that the current average processing time is now 354 days, which is significantly less than the 532 days it was in August 2008. Astrue also noted that only 29% of applicants now wait longer than 270 days for a hearing. Louisiana SSDI denials have experienced a decline in the average processing time of over 19%, which ranks 3rd overall.
In a press release issued by SSA, Astrue called the TRAC “sloppy and irresponsible.” Astrue states that what matters to a denied SSA claimant is how long they have to wait for a hearing, not how many others are waiting. On this point, I agree with Astrue.
In Louisiana, the overall average processing time is 257 days. Each appeals office has its own average processing time, and they are as follows: New Orleans SSDI – 283 days; Metairie SSDI – 308 days; Alexandria SSDI – 275 days; and Shreveport SSDI – 162 days.
I tend to side with Astrue that it does not really matter how many people are awaiting a hearing, as various external factors can contribute to that number. What really matters is how long any one person has to wait for a hearing. In Louisiana, we are fortunate to have lower than average processing times. I hope to see the processing times continue to decline.
Related posts:
- Louisiana Social Security Disability Processing Time Continues Decline
- Kenner Disability Attorney Explains the Difference Between ALJ Rulings in Social Security Disability Cases: Fully Favorable vs. Unfavorable vs. Partially Favorable
- How Long Does It Take To Get SSDI Benefits After I Am Approved?
- Metairie Social Security Disability Attorney Answers “Does It Matter Which ALJ Decides Your Case?”
- Most Cancer Death Rates Continue Falling – Social Security Disability Help Often Needed