When it comes to processing times of backlogged claims for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits, Michigan ranks one of the worst. Currently there are over 40,000 backlogged cases waiting to be processed and several thousands more awaiting appeals. Wait times of a year – or more – are not uncommon in Michigan.
Kelly Young was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis at 34 and applied for SSDI benefits after being forced to quit her job in early 2009. Her claim was processed quickly, according to the Social Security Administration (SSA) norm – within just three months. Her initial claim was denied and Young had to employ an attorney to represent her in her appeal. Young and her husband had just depleted their savings account when she was finally approved for benefits just over a year from filing her initial claim.
Larry Cronin’s daughter Lindsay was born with a mental disability. When Lindsay turned eighteen, Larry applied for SSDI benefits on her behalf so that his daughter would have some means to support herself once her parents were no longer able to. Lindsay’s claim was not only denied, but the SSA found that Lindsay wasn’t disabled at all and that there were still jobs she was able to perform so as to support herself by earning an income. It took three years and one appeal to finally get Lindsay approved for the SSDI benefits that she was entitled to.
The SSA acknowledges that the backlog of cases in Michigan is a serious problem, especially for applicants who have no other source of income or any life savings from which to sustain themselves in the interim. Michigan is taking some reactive steps to battle the backlog. So far, the state has opened additional hearing offices in Livonia and Mt. Pleasant and offering Michigan applicants the option of having their claims and appeals heard by administrative law judges in other state via video conferencing. In addition to these steps, Michigan is also considering reinstating a former policy that directed denied applicants right into the appeals process. Some SSDI attorneys and state representatives are opposing this suggestion , saying throwing so many in to the appeals process automatically may actually add to the backlog rather than allieivate it. No final decision has been made so far.
