2020 was a difficult year for everyone and there is no doubt that as a Social Security Disability attorney you are facing the effects of the pandemic on your business. However, there is a glimmer of hope to come out of all of the chaos -- the average processing time for a Social Security disability claim decreased 25% (502 days to 390 days) from 2019 to 2020. While there were less dispositions overall, it seems that the switch from in-person to completely virtual hearings helped to speed up the process for many hearing offices across the country.*
In September of 2020, the SSA posted a press release addressing this switch and the resulting convenience to those seeking disability benefits. The press release states, "'The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of finding new ways to serve the public,' said Commissioner of Social Security Andrew Saul. 'For over a decade, the agency has used video hearings to get applicants their hearing decisions sooner. This advancement builds on that effort, making it easier and more convenient to attend a hearing remotely, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. To continue to ensure all participants' safety, we expect online video hearings and telephone hearings will be the only two hearing options for the foreseeable future.'"* Clearly the SSA has realized the increased efficiency that has resulted from a fully virtual hearing process and will likely continue offering this moving forward.
With that said, we have compiled a list of the top 20 Hearing Offices that had the quickest processing times in 2020:
| Rank | Hearing Office | 2018 - 2019 Average Processing Time | 2019-2020 Average Processing Time | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | HOUSTON NORTH | 294 | 257 | -12.59% |
| 2 | FRANKLIN TN | 418 | 264 | -36.84% |
| 3 | EVANSVILLE | 449 | 272 | -39.42% |
| 4 | OMAHA | 417 | 277 | -33.57% |
| 5 | COLUMBIA SC | 409 | 283 | -30.81% |
| 6 | HATTIESBURG | 441 | 284 | -35.60% |
| 6 | SAN ANTONIO | 335 | 284 | -15.22% |
| 7 | CHARLOTTESVILLE | 473 | 291 | -38.48% |
| 7 | PHILADELPHIA | 425 | 291 | -31.53% |
| 8 | LOUISVILLE | 528 | 296 | -43.94% |
| 9 | FLINT | 447 | 298 | -33.33% |
| 9 | PORTLAND ME | 370 | 298 | -19.46% |
| 10 | GRAND RAPIDS | 460 | 303 | -34.13% |
| 11 | LITTLE ROCK | 439 | 306 | -30.30% |
| 12 | MADISON | 496 | 308 | -37.90% |
| 13 | TOLEDO OH | 410 | 312 | -23.90% |
| 14 | RALEIGH | 512 | 314 | -38.67% |
| 15 | CHARLESTON SC | 495 | 315 | -36.36% |
| 16 | MILWAUKEE | 475 | 316 | -33.47% |
| 17 | SEVEN FIELDS | 462 | 317 | -31.39% |
Given the speed of the average processing time and the dip in overall claims filed, there has never been a better time to increase your caseload. Give us a call at 617.800.0089 to learn more about our Social Security disability leads and set your firm up for success in 2021!
*https://www.ssa.gov/appeals/DataSets/archive/05_FY2020/05_September_Average_Processing_Time_Report.html
*https://www.ssa.gov/appeals/DataSets/archive/05_FY2019/05_September_Average_Processing_Time_Report.html
*https://www.ssa.gov/news/press/releases/2020/#9-2020-1