Social Security Affairs Lead to Bankruptcy and Increased Risk of Death

Social Security Affairs Lead to Bankruptcy and Increased Risk of Death

A new study published by the Office of State Accountability (GAO) from government investigators found that long waiting times under appeals for disability claims have disastrous implications for those in need of disability assistance from the Social Security Administration. More than 100,000 people died while pending an appeal, nearly 50,000 people had to file for bankruptcy. For Americans with disabilities due to the coronavirus epidemic, GAO says the report comes at a time of "increased risk" of "worsening medical and financial conditions." The report's findings may point to times of distress for the millions of people who may need disability assistance. About 10 million people receive disability benefits, according to the SSA Annual Statistical Report. Most disability benefits belong to disabled workers (87% of all beneficiaries). Payments made to disabled beneficiaries in December 2018 reached approximately $ 11.6 billion. As part of this analysis, GAO examined the waiting times and results between the 2014-2019 fiscal years. They examined applicants who objected to the Social Security Administration's (SSA) decision to refuse benefits or partially grant the benefits they applied for. The study found that most appeals "waited more than a year for a final decision on their allegations." According to analysis of SSA data, waiting times increased from an average of 561 days in 2010 to an average of 840 days in 2015. The study shows that this waiting period follows the increase in disability demands after the Great Recession. Disability application rejection has increased over the years, according to the SSA. The decision rate was 56% in 1999 - it fell slightly below 29% in 2017. On appeal, however, the applicants, particularly those with lawyers, have a good chance of overturning the original case decisions. But this takes time and money.