Quick facts: how much does Social Security spend on disability?
According to Social Security, 6.9 million disabled workers received disability benefits from Social Security in 2007. Another 1.8 million individuals received benefits as dependents of disabled workers.
This is compared to 31 million receiving retirement benefits.
The average monthly disability benefits was $979. Although it should be noted, for those receiving Supplemental Security Income benefits, the maximum amount a SSI recipient could receive in 2007 was $637.
Total payout to disabled workers and dependents in 2007 was 7.2 billion dollars. However, this is only 17% of total benefits paid by Social Security.
Just some quick facts.
Social Security “aged” case numbers drop in 2007
The number of “aged” cases – cases pending for more than 900 (!) days dropped in 2007 from 63,700 to 108 during fiscal year 2007.
Fortunately, I do not see too many cases in Colorado that have been waiting more than two and half years for a hearing. Unfortunately, I still see the average wait time for hearings hover at about 12-14 months (occasionally faster, occasionally slower).
That is, 12-14 months after the initial appeal is filed. So, if you add the initial 4-6 months for the initial decision, 2-3 months for the hearing decision and …
