Social Security LogoOn Friday, August 10th the Tennessean devoted it entire Opinion page to recent reports of increasing backlogs in the processing and hearing of social security disability applications. For example, an applicant can expect delays of up to two years or more before benefits are approved.

Here are the primary articles from the special section.

System Meant to Help Becomes the Problem by Tom Hopton of the Center for Independent Living of Middle Tennessee

What would you do if you experienced a catastrophic injury or illness?

How long would your monetary reserves last if you had to seek medical care as a self-pay patient? In my position at the Center for Independent Living of Middle Tennessee, a non-profit organization that seeks to empower individuals with disabilities to live independently, I see people grapple with these situations daily.

Unfortunately, the very system that was created to soften the impact of life-altering illness or injury is often just another source of frustration. Though there are many state and federal programs that are difficult to access, the Social Security Administration is often unparalleled in the negative impact that its delays may cause. To read the rest of Tom’s article.

It Gets Out of Hand at the Hearing Level by Carol Westlake of the Tennessee Disability Coalition.

It is something that none of us want to think about — becoming disabled by a disease or injury that keeps us from working. In Tennessee and across the country, increasing numbers of people are facing that prospect. What would you do if it happened to you?

It can turn your world upside down in many ways and devastate a family. Most of us must work to support ourselves and our families. Savings only go so far, even for those who have worked hard, saved well, and lived responsibly. However, if you have worked and paid Social Security taxes, then Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) should provide a safety net. To read the rest of Carol’s article.

Dramatic Change Needed to Correct Dangerous Waits by the Tennessean Editorial Board

Only bad news seems to await workers with disabilities these days — if they get any news at all.

Compounding the physical or emotional pain of the injury or illness is the crushing weight of inept federal bureaucracy.

USA Today reported last week that 745,000 Americans’ disability claims are pending, and that the wait for a hearing ranges from nine months to 2½ years, depending on location.

During the long wait, many claimants who are unable to earn a living go broke, lose their homes to foreclosure or their families to divorce, and some resort to substance abuse or suicide, according to attorneys for claimants and employees of the Social Security Administration, the federal agency that handles disability claims.

“People have died waiting for a hearing,” Social Security Commissioner Michael Astrue says. To read the rest of the Editorial.