Allsup Steers Disability Claimants Through Post-Shutdown SSA Bottlenecks

BELLEVILLE, IL – November 13, 2025 – The reverberations of the longest federal government shutdown continue to impact vulnerable populations, particularly those seeking Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits. As the Social Security Administration (SSA) gradually resumes full operations, a significant backlog of claims and communications challenges persist, creating a complex landscape for applicants. In this environment, organizations like Allsup, a leading provider of SSDI representation, are stepping forward to help individuals navigate the intricate process and access the vital benefits they've earned.

During the shutdown, which stretched over 35 days, the SSA continued processing SSDI claims, albeit with reduced staffing and limited access to in-person services. The return of furloughed employees marks a step towards normalcy, yet the agency faces a monumental task in clearing the accumulated workload. "Allsup continues to provide expert assistance to individuals with disabilities as SSA operations return to normal," stated T.J. Geist, principal advocate at Allsup. "Our team is actively monitoring claims and offering support at every step, helping claimants access the benefits they’ve earned without interruption."

The Lingering Shadow of Shutdowns: SSDI's Vulnerable System

Government shutdowns, like the one that concluded in early 2019, cast a long shadow over essential social safety nets. While payments to existing beneficiaries typically remain uninterrupted due to permanent funding, the processing of new applications, appeals, and hearings faces severe disruption. Non-essential staff furloughs and scaled-back operations inevitably lead to a backlog that can take months, if not years, to fully resolve.

The impact on SSDI processing times has been stark. Data from early 2019 revealed a national average wait time of 538 days for an SSDI benefits hearing, with over 800,000 individuals awaiting a decision. This figure, though an improvement from the 2017 peak of 605 days, still represented a significant delay. A U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) report spanning fiscal years 2008 to 2019 highlighted even more concerning statistics: most applicants who appealed a denial waited over a year for a final decision, with median wait times peaking at an agonizing 839 days—over two years—for claims filed in fiscal year 2015. Tragically, the report noted that over 100,000 people died without receiving a final decision on their appeal during this period.

More recent data from November 2023 indicates that initial application processing times have reached a 14-year high, now averaging 225 days, an 86% increase since 2019. The full appeal process, encompassing reconsideration, Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) hearings, and Appeals Council review, can extend the total wait time to more than three years. The SSA has openly acknowledged these delays as "unacceptable," underscoring the profound financial hardship they impose on vulnerable individuals. Despite the SSA's post-shutdown recovery plans, including the FY 2019 Operating Plan and the CARES (Compassionate And REsponsive Service) Plan, which aimed to reduce backlogs through increased hiring and funding, the systemic vulnerabilities exposed by shutdowns continue to challenge the agency's capacity to deliver timely service.

Navigating the Maze: The Critical Role of Representation

For individuals facing a prolonged illness or injury, navigating the complex SSDI system can feel like an insurmountable challenge, especially when compounded by post-shutdown delays. The application process demands meticulous documentation, including comprehensive medical evidence and work history, adherence to strict deadlines, and often, direct communication with the SSA to resolve issues or provide additional information. This intricate landscape is where professional representation proves invaluable.

Allsup, with its specialized expertise, offers a lifeline to claimants. Their services range from free screenings for SSDI eligibility to preparing and electronically filing applications, assisting with appeals, and representing claimants at hearings before administrative law judges. The organization emphasizes its success in gathering crucial medical evidence and utilizing its user-friendly empower by Allsup® online software to guide claimants through the process. By communicating directly with the SSA, they aim to meet deadlines and mitigate potential complications.

The impact of such representation is statistically significant. According to the U.S. Government Accountability Office, claimants who secure professional representation are nearly three times more likely to be approved for benefits than those who apply on their own. This critical advantage is borne out by various studies: one survey found that 60% of claimants with legal assistance were approved, compared to 34% without. For Title II disability cases specifically, 2018 data showed that 50.7% of represented claimants received a fully favorable decision, while only 12.9% of unrepresented claimants did—a more than threefold difference. "Now is the time for individuals to get their claim filed or back on track," Geist added, emphasizing that specialized teams help ensure applications and appeals are handled accurately, professionally, and without added stress.

A Growing Need: The Landscape of Disability Advocacy

The persistent complexities of the SSDI system, coupled with the recurring challenges posed by government disruptions, have fostered a growing market for disability representation services. Allsup positions itself as a pioneer and leader in this field, claiming to be the "first and largest company to provide nationwide Social Security representation services." The company highlights its track record of over 400,000 successfully approved claimants, a figure updated in July 2024 to coincide with its 40th anniversary. This success is underpinned by an asserted "97 percent success rate" for customers who complete the SSDI process with them, along with a 56% award rate at the initial application level when represented, significantly higher than the reported 38% without representation.

The market for SSDI advocacy includes a diverse array of players, from specialized law firms and non-profit organizations to dedicated advocacy groups like Allsup and Citizens Disability. What distinguishes organizations like Allsup is their singular focus; their claims representatives are experts solely concentrated on SSDI claims, offering a depth of knowledge that can be crucial for claimants. This specialization, combined with comprehensive support that covers all stages of the application and appeal process, underscores why such services are increasingly sought after. The demand reflects not only the inherent difficulty of navigating federal bureaucracy but also an aging population and a greater awareness of available disability benefits, all contributing to a robust and expanding landscape of disability advocacy.

For those seeking to understand their eligibility, apply for benefits, or appeal a previous decision, resources like FileSSDI.Allsup.com or calling 1(800) 678-3276 offer direct pathways to assistance.