Many Americans who collect Social Security benefits are curious and perhaps uneasy about the status of the administration. Unfortunately, lawmakers in Congress have not settled on a budget for the administration. More unfortunately, the Social Security Administration is used to this, as they have been operating with lower funding for years. In fact, their current budget is 10 percent lower than their 2010 budget, adjusted for inflation. The administration’s costs, include a 13 percent increase in Americans collecting benefits. What does this mean?
According to the administration’s “Social Security Matters” blog, they are working under significant strain and lower staffs since 2013. They have initiated a hiring freeze and work with less overtime, leading to even higher backlogs. They have taken some proactive measures to combat these financial shortcomings, including going paperless for all beneficiaries under 60 years of age, a decision that will save as much as $11.3 million dollars in 2017. But is it enough, and what does this mean for you?
If you are suffering from a qualifying illness, injury, or mental condition that prohibits you from maintaining gainful activity and have a condition that is expected to last at least a year or end in death, you may still qualify for Social Security disability benefits, but it may be in your best interests to apply as soon as possible to minimize what could already be lengthy delays.
The administration has assured all Americans that they are working as hard as possible and will do the best they can to provide financial aid to all Americans who qualify. But it is still up to you to apply and start the process of collecting the benefits you rightly deserve.
