Social security plan to upgrade computer systems failing

About six years ago, the United States Social Security Administration began an aggressive plan to replace its antiquated computer systems. The office was being overwhelmed with disability claims and sought relief through upgrading its systems. Despite sinking $300 million into the project, the Social Security Administration can’t get it to work, and the agency isn’t sure if or when it will ever be up and running.
While the project is stuck in testing, thousands of people filing for disability claims face delays during every step of the process. These delays were supposed to be remedied by the new computer system.
According to the most recent statistics released by the Social Security Administration, more than one-fifth of the population in 17 states received Social Security benefits in 2013. Those 17 states include Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Kentucky, Maine, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Vermont and West Virginia.
According to the Social Security Administration, New Jersey had 1,548,525 disability claimants in 2013, with Bergen, Ocean and Middlesex counties having the highest number of beneficiaries in the state. The office also reported that it expected to have enough funds to pay all retirement and disability benefits until 2033.
Seniors, aged 65 or older, make up for approximately 70 percent of the U.S. population receiving Social Security benefits, including retirement, survivors and disability benefits. Retirement accounted for nearly 75 percent of all Social Security payments.
Based on data analysis of the report released by the office, Social Security beneficiaries in New Jersey received an average payout of $1,326 – the highest average in the nation.
Call the trusted attorneys at Team Law if you’ve been injured and need to apply for Social Security benefits, or have been denied before and would like to apply again. Contact us today to discuss your case.