On March 20, Representative Xavier Becerra (D.–CA) made a speech on Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) to a Social Security (SS) subcommittee on ways and means, reports Insurance News.
The following are some excerpts about SSDI from his opening remarks:
“Mr. Chairman, thank you for calling this third hearing in our series examining the Social Security Disability Insurance system.
“Social Security Disability (DI) is an earned benefit – only Americans who work and pay into the system can receive benefits if they suffer a work-ending disability.
“Requirements for receiving benefits are very tough – only the very sickest and most disabled Americans qualify.
“DI benefits aren’t very generous – a typical worker receives about $13,000 a year – but because they are too sick to work, they are a lifeline for these Americans and their families.
“Social Security’s operating budget is lower today than in 2010.
“The state SS offices that evaluate applications have lost more than 10 percent of their staff compared to last year. The backlog of people waiting for a decision is currently about 750,000 disabled individuals.
“The Social Security Administration receives over 3 million applications for disability benefits a year – an average of nearly 13,000 claims a day. Right now, it takes SSA an average of 111 days to decide on a disability application.”
Under such circumstances, may you need a lawyer to help you with the SSDI process?
If you or someone you know needs help with Social Security Disability benefits, contact the Social Security Disability Lawyers at Newlin Disability.
