Social Security Service Improvements: What Disability Applicants Need to Know

Over the past year, the Social Security Administration (SSA) has made substantial changes aimed at delivering better, faster, and more accessible services for the American public. These Social Security service improvements are already having a noticeable impact, especially for people applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). At Green and Greenberg, we want to ensure our clients and community are informed and empowered by these changes.

In this post, we break down what these improvements mean for disability claimants, how to take advantage of them, and why working with an experienced law firm like Green and Greenberg can make all the difference.

What Are the New Social Security Service Improvements?

Under the leadership of Commissioner Frank J. Bisignano, the SSA has implemented several changes to meet people “where they are” and deliver high-quality service whether customers connect online, over the phone, or in person. Here are the most important updates:

1. Faster Call Handling

• SSA handled 1.3 million calls in one week—70% more than the same week last year.
• Average phone wait times dropped from 30 minutes to just 6 minutes.

2. Reduced Wait Times in Field Offices

• Average wait time in field offices has decreased from 30 minutes to 23 minutes this year.

3. 24/7 Online Access to Services

• SSA removed 29 hours of weekly scheduled downtime on its online portal.
• This resulted in 125,000 more users accessing their My Social Security accounts in a single week.

4. Backlog Reduction in Disability Claims

• The SSA reduced its initial disability claims backlog from 1.2 million to 940,000.
• Average processing time has improved by five days.

5. Speedier Disability Hearings

• Average hearing wait times are down by 60 days compared to June 2024.

These Social Security service improvements are part of a larger strategy to modernize and streamline the entire customer experience.

How Do These Improvements Help Disability Applicants?

If you’re filing for SSDI or SSI, these changes mean:

• Less time on hold. Faster call response means you get your questions answered sooner.
• Faster claims decisions. Reduced backlog and quicker hearing times speed up the entire process.
• More convenient online options. With fewer outages, online account services are easier to use around your schedule.

However, while the process has improved, it remains complex. Even with these updates, mistakes in your application or missed deadlines can still derail your claim.

Why You Still Need a Disability Attorney

Green and Greenberg has helped thousands of clients successfully apply for and receive disability benefits. Here’s how we complement these SSA improvements:

• Personalized Support: Even with faster services, SSA cannot provide legal advice. We walk you through each step.
• Case Management: SSA’s backlog reduction doesn’t mean no backlog. We monitor your claim and keep it moving.
• Appeals Assistance: Was your claim denied? Our attorneys are skilled at handling appeals at all agency and court levels.
• Up-to-Date Knowledge: SSA policy is changing rapidly. Our team stays informed so you don’t have to.

Final Thoughts:

While these Social Security service improvements are good news, they don’t guarantee success. Filing a disability claim is still a legal process that requires experience and attention to detail.

At Green and Greenberg, we celebrate the SSA’s progress, but we also know from decades of experience that professional guidance makes the difference between denial and approval.

Need help with your disability claim? Schedule your free consultation with Green and Greenberg today.