In 2019, Jeff Meisler, a software engineer nearing 60, was diagnosed with cerebrovascular disease, making him unable to work. He applied for Social Security Disability Insurance in 2022, beginning a long journey through the disability system. With countless calls and extensive documentation, he finally received his benefits after a 30-month wait.
Under the Trump administration, the Social Security Administration plans to lay off 7,000 employees, raising concerns about delays and backlogs in the disability system. Advocates and attorneys fear that further cuts could worsen an already slow process. A spokesperson for the agency emphasized a commitment to improve services but did not address concerns about potential delays.
In Florida, where the wait time for disability determinations is the longest in the Southeast, applicants face extended delays as the system struggles to keep up. While efforts were made during the Biden administration to speed up the process, advocates worry that progress may be undone by the current administration’s cuts.
Despite claims of widespread fraud, audits have shown that improper payments make up only a small percentage of the total program cost. Advocates suggest streamlining the system in favor of applicants to reduce costs and improve efficiency. With conflicting objectives between policymakers and advocates, the future of the disability system remains uncertain.
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