Budget shortfalls for Social Security still in budget

Although budget figures for Social Security are generally favorable for 2009, it still falls short of the 10.4 billion requested by Michael Astrue. Mr. Astrue stated in his recent fiscal budget message that Social Security was at a crossroads due to the projected avalanche of baby boomer disability and retirement claims.

Although Social Security faired well in the overall Bush budget plan, Social Security is an agency that requires proper staffing to effectively processes retirement and disability claims. Studies indicate that Social Security has lost many experienced personnel in recent year; consequently waiting times have risen and phones have not been answered as timely as they have been in years past. Mr. Astrue went on to say that without proper reliable funding the situation at Social Security would only get worse.

Many organizations, including employee groups, support an 11 billion dollar budget because the Bush Budget did not address the finances needed to work the large backlog of disability claims currently at Social Security.

Mr. Astrue stated (in his message to Social Security employees) that the 2009 budget would help get Social Security ready for the onslaught of work that is expected for 2009. Although he seemed reassuring, the facts send a different message.

For instance, even with Congress providing an additional 148 million over the proposed Bush budget last year, there is still a need for more personnel. Even though the fiscal year 2009 employee level would increase by 351 over the 2008 employee level, the proposed increase in employees would still leave the agency with 1033 fewer employees than the year 2007.

Does it make sense that, when Social Security is facing such large backlogs and increases in retirement and disability claims, that the President would suggest a budget that would not even provide enough funding to maintain 2007 staffing levels?



Return to:

Social Security Disability Secrets

Social Security Disability Questions

Social Security Disability Advice

Social Security Disability - How to

Social Security Disability Tips


















Additional Entries
Social Security Disability Degenerative Disc Disease
Social Security Disability Fibromyalgia
Social security disability application
Filing a social security disability application
Social Security Award Letter
Social Security Disability - The award letter
Disability Benefits
Filing for Disability
Disability denial