“Wait times for processing and hearings can already be lengthy, so it’s more important than ever to work with an SSDI representative like Allsup when applying for SSDI benefits.” – Mike Stein, Allsup
Belleville, IL (PRWEB) March 27, 2014
Staffing continued to decline for the Social Security Administration (SSA) in fiscal year 2013. This is likely to have an impact on the ability to provide timely hearings and processing of Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) claims, according to Allsup, a nationwide provider of SSDI representation services.
The SSA had 62,543 workers in September 2013 compared to 65,113 workers a year earlier, according to the U.S. Office of Personnel Management. The SSA also cited a total loss of 11,000 employees over three years in its newly released Agency Strategic Plan, FYs 2014-18.
“Social Security will continue to be challenged by its reduced workforce,” said Mike Stein, assistant vice president of claims for Allsup. “Wait times for processing and hearings can already be lengthy, so it’s more important than ever to work with an SSDI representative like Allsup when applying for SSDI benefits.”
The federal agency also recently released its annual performance plan and budget estimates, including highlights from FY 2014 and 2015. As a result of more funds for FY 2014 and projected funds for FY 2015, the agency reported plans to start hiring employees again to bolster its staffing needs.
“It’s great news that Social Security anticipates adding people back to its workforce,” Stein said. “However, about a third of the SSA’s employees will be eligible to retire within the next three years, so challenges are likely to continue.”
SSDI is a federal disability insurance program overseen by the SSA. To qualify for SSDI benefits, workers must experience a severe disability that is expected to last for more than 12 months or is terminal. They must be unable to work and under full retirement age (65-67). Individuals are insured for the program by paying FICA payroll taxes, which are withheld from their paychecks during their working years. For more information on how to apply for SSDI, visit Allsup.com.
Seeking professional representation from Allsup has helped more than a quarter-million people with disabilities receive their Social Security benefits. “Experienced representation greatly improves the chance of a favorable outcome,” Stein said. “It can make a huge and time-saving difference by ensuring that any snags in the application process are handled as quickly as possible.” From the beginning, Allsup representatives help with paperwork, to make sure forms are filled out accurately and completely.
Reasons why a representative such as Allsup is likely to help when seeking SSDI benefits include:
About three in four Social Security disability claimants have a representative by the time they reach the hearing level. “Seeking SSDI takes patience and persistence, but Allsup helps qualified applicants every step of the way,” Stein said.
Find more information about how a representative can help someone apply for SSDI benefits on Allsup.com.
Click here for a free evaluation of eligibility for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits, or call (800) 678-3276.
ABOUT ALLSUP
Allsup is a nationwide provider of Social Security disability, veterans disability appeal, Medicare and Medicare Secondary Payer compliance services for individuals, employers and insurance carriers. Allsup professionals deliver specialized services supporting people with disabilities and seniors so they may lead lives that are as financially secure and as healthy as possible. Founded in 1984, the company is based in Belleville, Ill., near St. Louis. For more information, go to http://www.Allsup.com or visit Allsup on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/Allsupinc.
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