Report shows increase in Social Security Disability Insurance recipients; time-intensive process of receiving benefits can include 60 to 90 days to receive funds, says Allsup
Belleville, Ill. (Vocus) June 25, 2008 -- The number of people receiving their Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits continued to grow in 2007. This means more people are asking questions about their SSDI benefits. Once awarded, they wonder when they will receive those funds, according to Allsup, which represents people nationwide for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits.
There were nearly 290,000 more disabled workers receiving SSDI benefits in December 2007, compared with December 2006, according to the Social Security Administration (SSA). The recently released Congressional Statistics-December 2007 report puts the total of workers with disabilities at nearly 7.1 million nationwide.
For a majority of claimants, the time between being awarded SSDI and actually seeing a check is 60 to 90 days. In a small percentage of cases, Allsup has seen payments as quickly as one to two weeks from the time of notification. Typically, this is for simpler cases awarded at levels one or two in the SSDI claims process. This time is in addition to the application process itself, which can last as long as two to four years for cases that reach the hearing level.
There are many reasons why SSDI decisions take two to three months to reach recipients.
For example, in California, SSA offsets (or reduces) recipients’ SSDI benefits by how much they receive from the state disability program. This adds time to the process while SSA determines the amount of the offset. In many other states, SSA offsets disability benefits by how much someone has received from workers’ compensation benefits. Again, this delays payment. A similar situation occurs if a recipient has ever received Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
In addition, once an award is made, SSA must verify citizenship through original copies of birth certificates or naturalization documents. This may require additional time for correspondence between the SSA and the claimant, adding weeks or months to the award process. However, Allsup claimants can rely on the company’s professionals to follow-up on their behalf and speed the SSDI process.
Additionally, if you have a large amount of retroactive benefits (back pay) coming to you, the SSA requires multiple signatures before releasing the check, which delays payment. For some large awards, the payments may arrive in multiple checks over a period of several months.
Generally, however, recent SSDI recipients should not expect anything earlier than 60 days after notification of an award and be prepared for a longer wait.
As recent Congressional hearings and reports illustrate, SSA personnel are overloaded, underbudgeted and understaffed compared with the range and scope of their responsibilities, including the SSDI program. Delays are inevitable and lengthy. Allsup offers additional information about the SSDI process, choosing an SSDI representative and getting experienced assistance at Allsup.com.
ABOUT ALLSUP
Allsup, Belleville, Ill., is a leading nationwide provider of financial and healthcare related services to people with disabilities. Founded in 1984, Allsup has helped more than 100,000 people receive their entitled Social Security Disability Insurance and Medicare benefits. Allsup employs approximately 500 professionals who deliver services directly to consumers and their families, or through their employers and long-term disability insurance carriers.
For more information, visit www.Allsup.com.
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