Philadelphia, PA -- (SBWIRE) -- 03/13/2018 -- The Philadelphia Inquirer recently published the article, "SSI backlog: Thousands around Philly waiting more than two years for disability hearing." This article highlights the significant delays many people face when requesting a Social Security Disability hearing. On Wednesday, February 21, 2018, the Social Security Division of the Philadelphia Bar Association held a panel discussion to address the issue.
The article was written by Inquirer Staff Writer Claudia Vargas, who was present at the meeting as a member of the panel. Also on the panel was Congressman Brendan Boyle of the United States House of Representatives, who represents Pennsylvania's 13th congressional district. Mike Silver, a senior partner at Silver & Silver and founding Chairman of the Social Security Disability Committee of the Philadelphia Bar Association, was in attendance at the meeting along with Stephanie M. Imbesi, Esq. of Silver & Silver, who previously was the Director of Social Security's South Jersey Office of Hearings and Appeals.
The topic of the panel discussion was the exceedingly long wait times for disabled persons awaiting their Social Security hearings. While this is shocking and unsettling news to many, it is something Social Security Disability lawyers have been struggling with for nearly a decade. In response to the Inquirer article, Mike Silver, Esq. explains, "This is particularly difficult...for people who are out of work, many critically ill, who often are uninsured for medical care." He further stated that, "after waiting so long for a hearing, the result is most often a denial and a further appeal to Federal Court may be necessary so as a result, claimants can often wait up to five years to get a day in court which can result in an award of benefits."
After the meeting, Stephanie Imbesi, Esq. said, "It was reassuring to hear Congressman Boyle speak with passion regarding his concern for disabled individuals" She also explained that at Silver & Silver, "Having former Social Security Administration employees on our staff, we understand the issues contributing to these horrific delays and look forward to working with Congressman Boyle and other legislators to share our perspectives and help to reduce these unfair and costly delays."
If you need assistance with a new or pending disability case, please call the law firm at 610-658-0500.
About Silver & Silver
For over forty years, the legal team at Silver & Silver has been representing clients in Philadelphia and the greater Delaware Valley region. Their attorneys focus mainly on disability law and personal injury cases, as well as workers' compensation and employment litigation. They work closely with doctors, physical therapists, tax experts, life care planners, and other experts to help with your case. For a free legal consultation, call 610-658-0500 or visit https://www.silverandsilver.com/ today.