Problems with Social Security mostly stem from inadequate budgets and staffing shortages.
Social Security History
Social Security has been around for almost a century in America. The program began in 1935 when President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the Social Security Act into law. Though this act did include benefits for those over 65 and retired and aid to dependent children, other aspects that we would associate with the program today were not included. It was President Eisenhower in 1960 who added disability benefits to the program. This allowed disabled workers of any age and their dependents to claim disability. In 1965, President Lyndon B. Johnson added Medicare to the program. Then in the 1970s, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and automatic cost-of-living-adjustments were incorporated into the Social Security program. However, as the program grew, so did its financial problems. (SSA.gov)
Social Security running out of money?
As the American population ages and more citizens claim their Social Security benefits, there is concern that the money allotted for the program will run out. In 2021, 65 million Americans received Social Security benefits every month. This caused the annual cost of Social Security to be $1.2 trillion dollars. That is 4.8 percent of the United States’ total Gross Domestic Product (GDP). (Zippia.com)
After a financial crisis in the 1980s, there were changes made to the Social Security program to ensure that those dependent on it would receive their benefits for years to come. However, the funds for this program are estimated to run out in 2037. 76% of benefits could be drawn from taxation alone. But there will need to be adjustments made to either the current tax rate or to the amount of benefits each person receives in order to keep the program running past 2037. (SSA.gov)
SS statistics
Though there are potentially 15 years left for Social Security to run as normal, we can already see some of the effects of dwindling financial support for the program. For those seeking Social Security Disability, there is a 70% denial rate for those first applying. Luckily, there are several opportunities to appeal a denial. (DisabilityBenefitsHelp.org)
SSA staff shortages
While most businesses and the job market have been negatively affected by the coronavirus pandemic, the Social Security Administration’s staffing shortage has made it extremely difficult for those seeking to apply for programs. In fact, South Carolina has lost more than 30% of its Disability Determination Service employees between 2010 and 2021. These workers determine if an individual is eligible for either disability or Supplemental Security Income. (CNBC.com)
Social Security customer service long wait-times
Another of the problems with Social Security: Long wait-times.
The Social Security Administration reopened its physical offices in April of this year. Unfortunately, this hasn’t made it any easier on customers. With insane wait times, some are choosing to sleep outside overnight in the hopes of securing a spot to be seen the next day. While the Social Security Administration has encouraged people to make their requests via phone call or online, neither of these options have proved to be any faster or easier than waiting in line for hours.
According to data gathered by the Washington Post, “21 percent of disabled claimants waited 29 to 45 days for a phone appointment and another 24 percent more than 45 days.” Most phone calls are sent to toll-free numbers, and some applications aren’t available online. (WashingtonPost.com)
Whether it is the threat of running out of money in 15 years or the current wait times applicants are facing, there is a need for changes to be made to the Social Security system as soon as possible. That’s the only way to remedy the problems with Social Security.
The Law Offices of David L. Hood: Representing Social Security Disability Applicants in Columbia, Florence, Sumter and throughout Georgetown and Horry Counties
Social Security Disability claims are highly technical, requiring extensive medical and legal knowledge. Without help from an experienced South Carolina Social Security Disability lawyer, you can easily make mistakes that lead to a denial of benefits. But even if your claim has already been denied, don’t give up hope. Social Security frequently denies legitimate disability claims, and most claims require an appeal to succeed.
At The Law Offices of David L. Hood, we fight for the rights of the disabled. If you are considering hiring a lawyer for Social Security Disability, schedule a free consultation with us today at no risk to you. We handle all SSD cases on a contingent fee basis, which means you won’t pay attorney’s fees unless we help you receive benefits. You can easily contact us by filling out our quick and easy online contact form, email us or by calling (843) 491-6025.
*Clients are not liable for any expenses, unless there is a recovery in their case; however, if there is a recovery in their case, clients will be liable for expenses. Attorney’s fees are based on a percentage of the recovery, which will be computed before deducting expenses.
