Social Security Staff cutbacks + Case Backlogs = Change in Service

For those who work daily in the world of SSA, it comes as no surprise that employees as well as advocates have similar goals and frustrations. To wit:

Cleveland Plain Dealer Reporter Karen Farkas, in a copyrighted story dated Saturday, August 18, 2007, interviewed a local manager of a Social Security Field Office. The article is entitled Q&A on the future of Social Security - Staff cutbacks, case backlogs affect service. The entire Q and A may be found at the following link:

http://www.cleveland.com/printer/printer.ssf?/base/news/1187425856238390.xml&coll=2&thispage=2

The article notes that even with a $2 trillion trust fund for its budget, the Social Security Administration is in serious jeopardy, facing increasing backlogs as it processes more claims with fewer employees. In a set of questions and answers, the reporter interviews an SSA Field Office employee, now a manager who notes he has spent his career at the agency. He began as a claims representative in 1975. What follows are some of his comments.

Frustrated as those who wait for hours in an office or get a recording when they call for help with retirement benefits, survivor or disability benefits or Supplemental Security Income, the manger stated; "We are really concerned for the public,...we want them to get good service, the right amount of money and not wait so long. People are dying before disability decisions are made.It has been difficult to get Congress to approve increases because SSA's appropriations are included with other agencies and officials look at the overall budget. The agency asked for $10.4 billion for 2008, and President Bush proposed $9.6 billion ($304 million over the previous fiscal year). No decision has been made.”

When asked by the Plans Dealer Reporter why the backlog in disability claims, the employee responded;

“About 90,000 more people have filed each of the last five years. Budget cuts have led to the lowest field office staffing level since the early 1970s.” And, regarding the future? The manager stated there was a significant concern about the increasing number of baby boomers. Not only those who file cases, but SSA employees. Most of the staff was hired in the 1970s, and "we are facing a retirement wave. It takes three to four years to get proficient on the job."

Even so, this manager and other employees who responded to a recent survey, still have high job satisfaction, because they want to help people. “It's not right in America to have to wait. They should have prompt service and prompt decisions.”

Emphasis added and quotes have been combined for brevity. DACR blog thanks The Plain Dealer for use of this article.