There is a big problem for persons waiting on a Social Security disability hearing in Huntsville, AL. The problem is the longer than usual wait time.
The average wait time for a hearing in Alabama is 17.3 months. For the Florence, AL ODAR office, it is 17 months.
But in Huntsville, the wait time can easily be more than 24 months. Sometimes, a lot more.
Here's the problem: Huntsville, AL has only 1 hearing room available at any given time. That means, of course, only 1 hearing can take place at a time.
I try to mitigate this fact when I file a new appeal. I make a note on my appeal that the claimant and I request the first available hearing site, not necessarily limited to Huntsville, even if we have to travel further at our own expense. In other words, the claimant and I will travel over to Florence or down to Cullman if we can get a hearing scheduled sooner than we could get one in Huntsville. And I waive any travel expense.
There are thousands of people in the Huntsville/Madison County area waiting on hearings. It is unfortunate that Social Security has not provided the facilities required to conduct these hearings in a timely manner.
Huntsville has a population of about 200,000 while the metro area has about 444,000. Social Security should take note of this and provide sufficient facilities so that Huntsville doesn't have to wait 2 years or more for a hearing. If you read this and agree, I urge you to contact your elected representatives in Washington, DC and voice your opinion.
HELPING HONEST, HARD WORKING PEOPLE GET THE DISABILITY BENEFITS THEY DESERVE. WE WORK TO GET YOU MAXIMUM BENEFITS AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE. Phone (256) 799-0297.
I think this is a really good article. You make this information interesting and engaging. You give readers a lot to think about and I appreciate that kind of writing.
ReplyDeleteHurtAtWorkNYC.com
UPDATE: Social Security has responded to this problem. They have added a second hearing location within the Social Security office in Huntsville. This could cut the wait time for a hearing in Huntsville by one-half. We are already noticing an improvement in the wait time. Thank you Social Security\!
ReplyDeleteI've noticed that the wait time to get a hearing has fallen dramatically, not just in Huntsville but all over north Alabama. Used to, a claimant had to wait over a year to get a hearing. These days, I'm seeing hearings scheduled just a few months after the appeal is filed. This is good news for folks who need their benefits!
ReplyDeleteI cannot thank you enough for the blog. Really thank you! Great.Gentle Care Support Services
ReplyDelete