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Texas Receives an Influx of Disability Applications

It seems nearly every state has issues with waiting periods relating to Social Security disability applications. Some are worse off than others, but every state is full of people with stories to tell about their particularly agonizing wait times. Texas is no exception.

According to Star-Telegram, the number of disability applicants in Texas is expected to double this year compared to last year, and about 50,000 people have yet to hear the decision on their application. Another 30,000 or so were denied recently and await their hearing to appeal the decision.

The good news for disability applicants in Texas is that the average waiting period for a hearing is about 288 days, which is about 150 days less than the national average. That doesn't mean that applicants aren't pinching pennies and barely surviving like those in other states, though.

The increase in applicants and the reduction in SSA workers handling the applications have combined to create long and difficult waiting periods. Most applicants have little, if any, income while they wait. They depend on the possibility of receiving about $1000 per month, which is what most people can count on when they start getting their benefits. Of course, the amount changes depending on how many work credits they have.

Despite the shorter waiting times in Texas, many feel that applicants should not have to wait anywhere near as long as they often do. The number of applicants has simply increased due to a reduction in jobs over the last few years, and it is expected to get worse next year. The likelihood of fewer jobs available means more disability applicants, longer waiting periods, and even fewer employees at the SSA offices that handle the cases.

If you have applied for disability in Texas, be sure to stay informed regarding your case by talking to your lawyer. If you have applied in another state and want to find out the average wait period there, you can also contact your lawyer for the latest statistics so that you know what to expect.

If you or your loved one are suffering from a severe physical or mental disability, you should contact a Social Security Disability lawyer immediately to learn about your rights and determine eligibility. The process of securing Social Security Disability Insurance benefits and/or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) can be difficult and overwhelming. Don't go it alone! The disability lawyers at LaVan & Neidenberg, located in Ft. Lauderdale, FL understand the inner workings of the Social Security Administration and will help you navigate the system. Call us today for a FREE legal consultation - 1-888-234-5758.