The Social Security Administrations Fiscal year just ended, and the numbers are not looking good for those filing for disability. In 2021, in the middle of a pandemic and with Social Security offices still closed, the average processing times for Alabama at the initial level was 117.3 days, Florida was 151.5 days, Louisiana was 155.2 days, and Mississippi was 92.5 days. As of February 2023, these numbers are now 255.4 days for Alabama, 300.5 for Florida, 243.2 for Mississippi and 228.3 days for Louisiana.
This is an increase in wait times of over 35% and the National average is 211 days for Initial level claims and 210.1 days for Reconsideration level claims. For those filing for disability, many are without any support or family members to assist them to survive through these delays and can end with homelessness, loss of power, loss of a vehicle, and loss of basic food and shelter.
The processing times for Hearing level claims is much better than in years past that I have seen in my over 23 years in the Social Security Disability law field. However, if the Initial and Reconsideration levels ever get a hold of their backlog, those cases will hit the hearing offices and we may see considerable wait times increase there as well.
You have many things to consider while filing for disability. One of which is food, shelter, and medical treatment. The other is communicating with Social Security and handling the nuances of a disability claim. Let Gardberg and Kemmerly handle that last part for you. Call our office at 251-343-1111 for a free consultation on your VA and SSA claim. Gardberg & Kemmerly specializes in helping the injured and disabled in Alabama, Mississippi, Florida, and Louisiana.