Social Security Backlog and Delays in 2025: What Disability Claimants Need to Know
The Social Security Administration (SSA) is facing record backlogs and service delays in 2025. Applications for disability benefits are taking longer to process. Field offices can’t keep up with demand. Disabled Americans, older workers, and SSI claimants are feeling the impact. Understanding the Social Security backlog and delays in 2025 is critical if you’re applying for or waiting on SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) or SSI (Supplemental Security Income).
This post explains what’s happening, why it matters, and how Green & Greenberg helps claimants navigate delays and fight for fair and timely disability decisions.
Record Backlogs Stretch Disability Services
According to a detailed report late in 2025, the SSA was grappling with historically high pending caseloads and field-office service delays. Internal agency data shows up to 6 million pending cases in processing centers and 12 million transactions waiting in field offices. Many applicants report being unable to schedule timely appointments or get reliable answers by phone.
These delays have not just affected retiree claims — they have directly slowed disability applications, eligibility confirmations, and even changes to direct deposit information when beneficiaries need help.
Why the Backlog Happened
Several factors contribute to the Social Security backlog and delays:
- Staff Shortages and Departures: Thousands of employees left or were pushed out of SSA, significantly shrinking experienced staff. Frontline workers are stretched thin, trying to answer phones, process claims, and assist walk-in visitors.
- Policy and Operational Disruptions: Rapid organizational changes, including reassignment of staff and repeated leadership changes, disrupted stable workflows. This has reduced efficiency and raised processing times.
- Increased Demand for Services: Millions of Americans request SSA services each year — from disability determinations to benefit creation. With backlogged claims and fewer workers to process them, each remaining staff member is handling much more work.
Impact on Disability Claims
Even though the SSA has taken steps to reduce backlogs, such as overtime pay and reassignment of workers, delays continue to affect disability claimants:
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- Initial SSDI/SSI application reviews take longer.
- Follow-up appointments may be weeks or months away.
- Phone service wait times remain high, with callbacks often delayed.
- Errors can happen when overtaxed staff rush through tasks.
In some offices, particularly in rural or understaffed states, closures and minimal operations have left disabled applicants without local support for days or even weeks. This hurts people who cannot easily access online services or phone support.
How Green & Greenberg Helps You Navigate Backlogs and Delays
The Social Security backlog and delays create confusion and hardship. That’s where Green & Greenberg can make a difference:
- Expert Claim Preparation: We help clients submit complete applications with solid medical evidence and documentation, reducing the risk of unnecessary delays or denials.
- Strategic Follow-Up and Advocacy: Our team monitors claim status, proactively follows up with SSA, and quickly responds to requests for additional information.
- Skilled Appeals Representation: If your claim is delayed or denied, we prepare strong reconsiderations and disability hearing cases that articulate the full impact of your conditions.
Tips to Improve Your Experience With SSA Backlogs
Although claimants cannot control nationwide delays, you can take steps to reduce frustration:
- Submit all medical records early and completely.
- Use online tools (like “my Social Security”) when possible.
- Respond promptly to SSA requests for information.
- Contact your attorney if you don’t hear updates on time.
- Be persistent, but patient — bureaucratic delays are common.
Final Thoughts
The Social Security backlog and delays reflect deep systemic issues: staff shortages, increased demand, and evolving priorities at SSA. While some data shows progress in reducing backlogs, many claimants still face slow processing and service challenges.
We know how frustrating it is to wait for a disability decision, especially when you rely on those benefits for essential income. At Green & Greenberg, we help you understand what’s happening, protect your rights, and move your claim forward even amid delays. You don’t have to navigate these challenges alone.
Contact us or explore our free resources to get personalized help with your disability claim and appeals.