LaPorte Law Firm Reports on the Negative Effects of the Federal Hiring Freeze
Individuals in need of social security disability insurance will likely find they have to wait even longer to receive payments, announces LaPorteLawFirm.com
Oakland, California – February 1, 2017 /MarketersMedia/ —
Many individuals cheered President Trump’s decision to put a hiring freeze in place for the federal government. Those doing so often fail to realize the far reaching effects of a decision like this. In fact, Bloomberg reports this freeze may make the current backlog for Social Security Disability Insurance Claims and Appeals even worse. Currently, the backlog stands at 526 days nationwide, but fewer employees could extend this time frame. Sadly, California leads the list of states with the highest number of cases in limbo, currently standing at 233,391 applications. This is as of January 2017, according to Allsup. Individuals who are affected by this change in policy need to speak with Social Security Disability Attorneys immediately.
“Allsup reports the hearing backlog currently stands at 100,910, up from 88,190 in 2015. The average processing time for a hearing is 600 days, yet many people don’t have this time. Although certain conditions allow for immediate approval of a disability claim, they are limited. A person who is recovering from cancer and the complications that may come with treatment often doesn’t have this time. They need the funds during their recovery, as going back to work could hinder their progress. People in situations such as this will be hurt by the new policy,” Terry LaPorte, spokesperson for the LaPorte Law Firm, announces.
Judge Marilyn Zahm, who is currently serving as the Association of Administrative Law Judges union president, points out that people will continue to need access to this disability insurance and, at this time, more than 1.1 million individuals are waiting to see if they are eligible for benefits. The Social Security Administration states they are streamlining the process, yet they wish to increase the number of judges handling these cases. This won’t be possible as long as the hiring freeze is in place.
“The easiest way to avoid the appeals process is to work with an attorney to ensure the initial paperwork is filled out correctly and all supporting documentation is in place. Sadly, the simplest mistake can lead to a claim being denied or delayed. This hurts the person in need of the funds, and the process needs to change. Until it does, we are here to help clients move through the process,” LaPorte continues.
People recognize the Social Security Administration has problems. Candidates haven’t been vetted thoroughly, administrators haven’t made this problem a focus and more. Unfortunately, a hiring freeze won’t help in these situations, and many hope the agency will request an exemption to the hiring freeze for those handling the backlog. Only time will tell if this takes place.
“Anyone attempting to file a new social security disability claim or appeal the denial of an existing one needs to speak to an attorney immediately. Any delay is harmful, and more paperwork is accumulated during the waiting process. This slows the claim even more. We work to ensure those in need of this help get it as soon as possible, so they can move on with life and focus on getting better. That’s what the program is designed to allow them to do, when recovery is possible,” LaPorte declares.
About LaPorte Law Firm:
Established in 1982, the LaPorte Law Firm represents individuals seeking Social Security Disability. Over the years, the firm has expanded, bringing in new attorneys and opening additional offices to help more people. They represent people at every stage of the process and offer free initial consultations.
Contact Info:
Name: Terry LaPorte
Organization: LaPorte Law Firm
Phone: 510-208-4525
For more information, please visit http://www.laportelawfirm.com
Source: MarketersMedia
Release ID: 166039
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