The only real solution for Social Security’s humongous hearing backlog is many more warm bodies to get the work done. That will happen, but not immediately. There are some things that can be done now, however that will help to some extent…
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Mississippi attorney Gary Parvin wrote a letter to the editor about his clients who have suffered due to the extensive backlog of cases at the Social Security disability claims offices, He mentions his clients becoming unable to afford treatment and medications for their disabling conditions. Some have died before their case is reviewed. Some have been reviewed and awarded and pass away before benefits are paid, due to backlogs at the payment center. Others lose their homes and vehicles.
It takes 18 to 24 months to get a hearing after filing a request for hearing at the Jackson Office of Disability Adjudication and Review. There are seven staff vacancies in that office resulting from attrition and budget reductions imposed by Congress.