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Sequestration and Social Security

Sequestration refers to mandatory cuts in federal spending based upon pre-arranged formulas.  It supposedly went into effect March 1, 2013.  You may have heard that Social Security is not affected, but according to the National Organization of Social Security Claimants Representatives (NOSSCR), there will be impacts on Social Security.  Social Security benefits will continue to be paid; however, its operating budget will shrink.

Social Security says it will try to avoid any immediate furloughs or layoffs.  As many of you know, Social Security is already under a hiring freeze and is closing district offices to the public earlier each day.

Further reduction of operating budget is expected to result in longer waits at Social Security field offices (up to 30 minutes longer).  It may take at least a week longer to get a decision on an initial disability claim.  For each day of sequestration, 3,000 new disability hearings will not take place.  Thus, the progress Social Security has made in reducing the backlog of disability hearings could be lost.  

We do want to emphasize again that Social Security disability and retirement checks will continue to be paid on time and will not be reduced.  

With increased burdens on Social Security field offices, you may want to try using the internet to get assistance on routine Social Security matters.  Their web address is www.socialsecurity.gov.  You may also try their national toll free service number, which is 1-800-772-1213.  Keep in mind that telephone hold times may be longer and you may get a busy signal more often than before.

THE FORSYTHE FIRM

 
(256) 799-0297                                                             

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We are not affiliated with the US Social Security Administration.  Our private firm helps individuals who are disabled to obtain disability benefits.  We never charge a fee unless we obtain past due benefits for you.  Free case evaluations.

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