Appealing a claim for Social Security payments still takes far longer than it should

Summary: When the Social Security Administration denies someone’s claim for supplemental or disability payments, there are a lot of ways to appeal the decision. But the process can, and often does take years. The delays are so significant that members of Congress wanted to know how many Americans are dying or getting forced into bankruptcy while they’re awaiting a decision. The Government Accountability Office tried to answer that question, and in the process, came up with new data on just how long the appeals process takes. Elizabeth Curda is a Director on GAO’s Education, Workforce, and Income Security team. She talked with the Federal Drive about the new findings. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices