A proposed increase in funding for the Social Security administration could make it easier for seniors to get help relating to their benefits.
President Biden has called for the Social Security budget to be increased by nearly 10% in 2022. This $1.3 billion boost would primarily help the agency improve customer service efforts. While office closures may have made it difficult for seniors to get in-person help, as the country reopens, the Social Security Administration will need to focus its efforts on helping beneficiaries in a number of ways.
Social Security Funding for Better Customer Service
According to a recent report from CNBC, one way this proposed budget would help seniors is by reducing wait times to speak to a representative. During the COVID-19 pandemic, talking to representatives over the phone became the default way for individuals to resolve issues with their benefits. Even as offices reopen, this reliance on convenient communication is unlikely to go away. However, an increase in funding could help the agency hire more staffers and reduce wait times.
Additionally, a backlog of disability insurance cases has led to slow processing times. Currently, individuals whose cases are under review might have to wait for more than a year for a resolution.
This budget increase could also help the agency reach more individuals who might be eligible for benefits. For example, individuals with disabilities might be able to receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI). More funding could ensure that those who are eligible for benefits receive what they deserve.
Seniors Deserve the Benefits They’ve Earned
American retirees have worked hard for their benefits. While this funding increase might make it easier to work with the Social Security Administration, it wouldn’t solve all of the issues with this program. One way that NORA is fighting for seniors? We’re asking Congress to pass The Guaranteed 3% COLA for Seniors Act. We’re also asking them to make this act retroactive to 2010. Retirees could potentially receive thousands in unpaid benefits.
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