Social Security Administration Still Cutting Services As Program Hits 79th Year

On Thursday, August 14th, the Social Security Administration celebrated the program’s 79th year offering financial support for retirees and the disabled. However, the program continues to face budget cuts and less tax revenue than years past, which has led to continued cuts to services across the country.

The Social Security Administration recently audited the inspector general’s office and revealed deteriorating service that has resulted from budget cuts related to fears about the country’s economy. Staff and hours at locations all over the nation have been cut due to money woes, while Baby Boomers are reaching retirement age and the number of Social Security Disability applications is higher than ever.

“Since 2011, SSA’s staff size had decreased by nearly 11,000 employees. According to SSA, overall service suffered,” the inspector general said. “As a result, in [fiscal year] 2013, the public waited longer for a decision on their disability claim after filing for Social Security Disability, to talk to a representative on the National 800-Number, and to schedule an appointment” at a field office, which is the primary place for in-person service – a necessity especially in areas that have limited internet service for the elderly and disabled to fill out applications online.

“The last few years have been tough,” Nancy Berryhill, SSA’s deputy commissioner for operations, said.

Americans who have earned Social Security retirement benefits through a lifetime of work “don’t deserve to be herded in waiting rooms or lined up on the sidewalk just to access the basic services they paid into their entire lives,” said American Federation of Government Employees President J. David Cox Sr. “With tens of millions of baby boomers set to retire, Congress needs to cancel sequestration and give Social Security the resources it needs to invest in the staff and facilities necessary to meet the demand. In the meantime, AFGE urges SSA to restore office hours to 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. so beneficiaries are never greeted by an unexpected ‘closed’ sign again.”

“The Social Security program, including the disability component, is an important public structure – very much like our highways or water systems, and they need be regularly maintained and supported,” said Barbara Silverstone, Executive Director of the National Organization of Social Security Claimants’ Representatives(NOSSCR). “Congress needs to fully fund the Social Security Administration to help the program run as smoothly as possible for those who are no longer able to work due to age or disability, and their family members.”

“Social Security has served as one of our nation’s hallmark social insurance programs for almost eight decades and instead of criticizing the program and its key components, including Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security, with myths and untruths, let’s come together to protect the program and urge Congress to strengthen it for current and future generations,” continued Silverstone.

The cuts in hours, staff, and budget have made applications to the retirement or disability programs offered by Social Security more difficult, time-consuming, and inaccessible than ever. If you are disabled, whether temporarily or permanently, or if you are retiring and want the benefits your taxes paid for, you may need an attorney to help you with your Social Security application.

The Strom Law Firm Can Help with Social Security Benefits Claims

Applying for Social Security Disability or Retirement Insurance can be complex. However, we understand that you need your benefits and we will put our years of experience to work for you to ensure that you have the representation necessary to actively pursue your claim. Call the attorneys at the Strom Law Firm today to discuss your Social Security Disability or Supplemental Security Income case today. We will be glad to discuss any questions you may have during our free, confidential consultation. Call the experienced attorneys at the Strom Law Firm at (803)252-4800.