Investigators with the House of Representatives have uncovered how the Social Security Administration (SSA) is approving a shockingly high number of Social Security Disability Claims that had been denied in the past. Furthermore, the SSA is failing to conduct follow-up reviews on claims to ensure recipients are still unable to work.
According to The Seattle Times, the number of claims for benefits has climbed by more than 25 percent over the last six years. Investigators with the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee say the increase in the number of beneficiaries to the program is only compounding budgetary issues caused by wrongful payments.
These wrongful payments are being made to many individuals who have had their claims denied. Records show that approximately 75 percent of appeal cases being heard by administrative judges are approved after an initial denial.
Furthering the problem, the SSA is not following up on cases to ensure the claimant is disabled. There are currently 1.3 million backlogged case reviews.
This number has built since the backlog was eliminated in 2002, and the government is now seeking funding to eradicate the issue again.
The Social Security Disability Lawyers with Newlin Disability are aware of how difficult navigating the Social Security Disability process can be. They are here to help those considering applying for benefits.