The Social Security Administration’s average wait time for an initial disability decision hit an all-time high in August 2022 of more than six months, or 198 days — almost three times higher than it was a decade ago. The AARP recently noted wait times of about 31 minutes on Social Security’s 800 number, about 10 times longer than they were in 2012. Meanwhile, the average disability claimant today waits more than two years for a final decision, while more than 10,000 people die each year without an answer, the nonpartisan organization said in its letter. Experts says that much of SSA’s ability to keep up with their workload will depend on Congress’ upcoming continuing resolution to keep the government funded into the next fiscal year. Budget cutting has squeezed SSA’s operating budget from an already low 0.9 percent of overall Social Security spending in 2010 to just 0.6 percent in 2021. Plainly speaking, they give out $99.40 dollars in benefits to people, for every $.60 they use to keep the organization running. Compare this amount to health insurance companies, who commonly spend up to 20% of their collected funds on administration — for every $80 they spend paying your medical bills, they keep $20 to keep their organization running. If you are concerned, please contact your members of Congress.
