CBS News investigation: Social Security backlog up sharply
January 16th, 2008According to a two-month CBS investigation, the Social Security safety net may not be there when you need it most. Two out of every three people who apply for federal Social Security disability benefits are rejected by a government agency that critics say is out of date, underfunded, and incapable of serving the exploding number of disabled Americans. Waiting times for a hearing in some cities are more than three years.
Over the last two years, at least 16,000 people fighting for disability benefits died while awaiting a decision. The backlog of cases now stands at 750,000 - up 150 percent since 2000. People wait an average of 520 days for a hearing on their claims.
The two-part series includes a list of hints on navigating the system: Information about filing for social security benefits
Related story: Disability benefits system harbors culture of denying benefits even to those most unfit to work
Earlier post here.
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on Wednesday, January 16th, 2008 at 12:26 pm and is filed under NOT2BEMISSED, benefits, social security.
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