We realize it may be a stretch for ordinary people to want to keep up with the comings and goings of the Social Security Administration, but sometimes circumstances permit where someone does want to follow the latest news regarding the agency due to a possible retirement or disability interest. This blog is an ongoing piecemeal of recent stories that have involved Social Security. Some are tidbits and some are important things that should be known in the world of retirement or disability and others are just interesting stories and nothing more.
Online Tool to Assist with Scheduling Appointments to File Claims
Making appointments with Social Security to conduct business is never an easy proposition, but since March of 2020 the process has become even more difficult due to shutdowns and Social Security’s remote work options, but a new online tool offered by Social Security should assist with more customers being able to schedule appointments to file claims. Social Security recently announced this new option, below is more information about the project.
SSA developed an online tool to allow internet users to request an appointment to file an application for benefits and to establish a protective filing date with SSA. The electronic protective filing tool will allow individuals to submit information for the appointment request using a computing device, such as a personal computer or handheld (mobile) device instead of calling SSA by phone or visiting a field office. The tool will be available to potential claimants, as well as those individuals assisting them.
Although this new option will eventually be available, Social Security had not indicated when this option might be available to customers.
Disability Claims more Challenging in Rural Areas
A recent article offered by Blue Virginia shows that there is a significant discrepancy between Social Security disability claimants who live in urban areas as compared to rural areas. The article examines the lowest average disability approval rates by state. States that have larger rural populations are behind ones with urban populations. Below are the numbers identified in the article.
Of the top 15 states with the lowest disability claim approval rates, Oklahoma (30 percent), Hawaii (30.2 percent), and West Virginia (31.9 percent) have the lowest overall approval rates.
Seven of the remaining 15 states have approval rates that fall at or below 35 percent: Alabama (32.3 percent), Kentucky (32.9 percent), North Carolina (33.5 percent), New Mexico (34.4 percent), Florida (35 percent), Indiana (35.2 percent), and Maryland (35.9 percent).
The other six states have marginally higher approval rates. Still, they fall below the national approval rate average of 41.7 percent: Montana (36.2 percent), Utah (36.2 percent), Arizona (36.4 percent), Mississippi (36.6 percent), Georgia (36.7 percent), and Tennessee (37.9 percent).
Unfortunately, this is not a new phenomenon. People who live in more rural areas have had increased obstacles to obtaining Social Security disability benefits. As identified in the article, many people who live in rural areas face a lack of transportation options and limited medical treatment options, which are likely to contribute to the discrepancy among urban and rural claimants.
