To all bloggers: I have been waiting for 2 1/2 years, for my Level 3 Request for Review, by Administrative Law Judge, with Social Security Disability. Has anyone else had this same problem, of having the federal government REFUSING to review cases, in a timely fashion. If so, how have other people handled the federal governments REFUSAL to handle its work, in a timely fashion?
2007-08-24 18:59:52 · 7 answers · asked by kittycat 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Cultures & Groups ➔ People with Disabilities
I have had a similar problem and really there's nothing I can do
2007-08-26 18:16:27 · answer #1 · answered by ? 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
For almost 15 years I was a social worker that specialized in getting people their SSA benefits and keeping them. When I first started doing this job it took about a year to get a hearing, when I left this career a few months ago, it was taking 3+ years to get the hearing date. It is terrible, because 3+ years is a LONG time to be in limbo. Approving people for benefits is not the government's priority, so they don't put many resources towards the system. I believe the system can be changed, but people have to work together to get it done. It won't happen over night either, but people need to get involved. I have worked with the developmental disabled population and the Mental Illness population, and they have very different needs. One thing that is the same however, is that the people I worked with did not Vote. If "disabled" people started to vote in masses then they would have more of a say. How many times have you herd the media talk about the "black vote" , the "Hispanic vote", the "Christian vote", the "women's vote"? How many times have you heard of the "disabled vote"? I have never herd of that, but in order to have some power and say, we need to start hearing about the "disabled vote". So, we need to encourage people to get involved with national and local advocacy groups, writing letters to officials, rallies, etc. It is terrible that people have to wait so long to get a hearing date, but in the governments eyes they are not refusing to review cases because they eventually get to it. It is a pretty sad state of affairs though. Also, every 6 months or so, check in with the SSA to make sure your case is still waiting to be scheduled. This is MOST IMPORTANT if you have moved, because even though you report your new address to the SSA, they will quite often send your hearing notice to the address you had when you filed your appeal. If you move go to the SSA and report your new address, and get and KEEP the receipt that shows you reported the change. Actually KEEP ALL receipts you get from the SSA. As big as a pain as it is to go to their office, don't do anything by mail because you have no proof that you sent anything in. If at all possible always go to the SSA and handle business in person and get proof before you leave their desk, they CAN give you something.
2007-08-25 09:32:31 · answer #2 · answered by Josie 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It took me two years from first filing to getting the approved letter for SSDI. The system is slow. I think they can and should do things quicker. It is a shame that people are in limbo for that long. The long wait has caused many people to lose everything because of little to no money coming in during the wait.
2007-08-25 15:26:59 · answer #3 · answered by robert 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Go to the media, the station in Vancouver BC is starting to air some of these stories, though most are about having to wait 2 or 3 years for surgery, such as knee surgery, joint replacement etc. Start to make a noise ! If you know others in your area in the same predicament get them to contact the media too.
2007-08-26 13:48:59 · answer #4 · answered by isotope2007 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Sadly what you are experiencing is the norm. There truly is nothing you can do except to get someone in the news media to make a stink about it and they want their "good name" cleared - so they review your case.
2007-08-25 12:54:11 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you have a lawyer helping you it shouldn't be taking that long. I had one helping me and after we put in that request and were waiting they reversed their decision and awarded me my benefits. Like I said if you have a lawyer helping you I would contact them about this because I was informed that it could take as long as 1 year.
2007-08-25 11:28:02 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Get a lawyer who specializes in Social Security. Hopefully, he will get things moving.
Write or call your local Congressman, they have clout.
2007-08-25 07:06:46 · answer #7 · answered by DrIG 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋