Larson, Davis Respond to Growing Delays Faced by People Applying for Social Security Disability Benefits

Washington, D.C. - Today, Ways and Means Committee Social Security Subcommittee Chairman John B. Larson (D-CT) and Worker and Family Support Subcommittee Chairman Danny K. Davis (D-IL) released the following statement in response to a Washington Post article detailing growing backlogs and delays faced by people applying for disability benefits at the Social Security Administration: 

“People applying for Social Security and Supplemental Security Income disability benefits are facing devastating new delays, waiting twice as long as in the past, or more than six months on average, for a decision on their application. These benefits are vital to people with severe disabilities, helping them to live with dignity and pay for food, housing, transportation, heating and cooling, out-of-pocket medical bills, and other basics. Any delays in access can be incredibly harmful to severely disabled individuals living on the edge. That is why we have been supporting the work of House appropriators to provide the highest amount possible for the Social Security Administration’s operating budget in fiscal year 2023 – to hire and retain enough workers to process claims, increase staffing, improve technology, and make other investments to strengthen service and begin working down these excessive and devastating delays,” the chairs said.

Last week, 70 Members, led by Representatives John B. Larson (D-CT), Danny K. Davis (D-IL), Susan Wild (D-PA), Jan Schakowsky (D-IL), and Doris Matsui (D-CA), wrote to House appropriators in support of increased funding for the Social Security Administration (SSA) to improve customer service and reduce delays. Read the letter here.

In June, Chairs Larson and Davissent a letter to House appropriators sharing testimony from a recent hearing on SSA customer service and calling for increased funding for SSA’s operational expenses to improve service and reduce delays. Read the letter here.

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