Seems like a lot of bad news on the Social Security Disability front.
BACKLOGS
Cases are taking longer and longer to decide in Central Illinois.
Of course, it is difficult enough to battle disability and pain and fight the government but it seems like it takes forever.
It was taking about 3 months for the initial review and another 3 months for the next level.
However, it is now taking about 6 months at the initial level, and another 6 months at the next level.
It was taking about 8 months to get a hearing.
Now it takes about 10 months for the hearing.
As a result some people are homeless, or have to move in with friends or relatives.
Social Security says the backlogs are because more people are filing for disability and there are not enough workers to process and review the cases.
MORE DENIALS
At a recent congressional hearing several administrative law judges were being grilled for approving over 95 percent of the cases before them.
This is ridiculous of course.
That percentage of people cannot be disabled.
This involves only a small number of judges, but the problem is perception and politics.
The pressure is on the rank and file judge to reduce the percentage of approval ratings to show that they are not reckless and outside the mainstream.
The approval percentage nationwide has dropped from approximately 60 percent to the low 50s.
In Central Illinois the approval rate is the low 30s.
This is a dangerous trend for everyone applying for disability.
People who are applying for disability need to be aware of the trends and be ready to strengthen their cases.
Questions about your disability case? Feel free to contact Illinois Social Security Disability Attorney Dirk May with Williams and Swee at 309-827-4371.