I’m going to call my congresssman to speed up my Social Security Disability case. Will that work??
This situation comes up alot and I have mixed feelings about the topic but I thought I should share with you my opinion and hopefully it will help you out.
Everybody knows that the Social Security disability process is long. Unfortunate, but it is true. Almost once a month, I will get someone who will say to me that they plan on “calling the media”, “calling the governor”, “starting a twitter campagin”, ‘Calling their congresswoman / congressman” or some other prominent elected official. A lot of times when this happens, I get asked the almighty question: “WILL THAT WORK?”.
Well, I have not had the pleasure or distinction of working for the Social Security Administration. However, I’ve had the chance to talk to a few of the personnel at different locations. Of course, these are just my opinion based on my experiences:
ADVANTAGE
1) May elevate the level of imporance
Public officials are fully aware of their requirement to serve their constituents. In some situations, cases that have been designated as a “Congressional inquiry” or some other type of inquiry may have an added amount importance attached to it.
2) Added advocate
It’s great that you have a representative (i.e. attorney or non attorney) but every little bit helps. The joy of involving your elected official is that it demonstrates that you have someone else speaking on your behalf.
3) May highlight the significance of your situation
If you’re in a dire need situation, the fact that you have an elected official speaking on your behalf may help to bring to light your situation.
4) Some have resources dedicated so this helps
Depending on who you contact, some elected officials who have individuals or sections specifically dedicated to working on cases like this for their constituents. They can, also, point you to useful resources.
5) If your case is good, this may help your case.
If you have a strong case with alot of supportive medical evidence, SSA is usually swamped with alot of information so they could have easily overlooked your case. This situation may help to bring your case to light.
DISADVANTAGE
1) SSA is the feds NOT the state
Now, there is nothing wrong with contacting your councilwoman or your mayor or governor. Let’s be real here there. Would you really call your mayor if you had a problem with the IRS? Just like, would you go to Congresswoman if you had a problem with your state tax collector? The answer is NO! Not trying to be stank but the FEDS are probably only going to respond to the FEDS.
2) You can’t threaten an agency
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve told people that you can NOT threaten an agency! Well, you CAN but it does no good. You’re talking about an agency that processes thousands of cases every day involving people who are hurt, sick, and can’t work. They are REALLY not moved because you yell, or your cousin is somebody, or you know somebody who works for the government. Let’s keep it i real.
3) The Media knows its bad already
Go ahead and run down to Channel whatever and tell the reporters how bad and how slow Social Security is. NEWS FLASH!! They know already. Not trying to be nasty but the problem with the delay is one that has been in existence for a while so they probably are not going moved to do a late action news report on the Social Security process.
4) They are already swamped so why make a bad situation worse
I always tell people that you have to go through the process. It’s frustrating but it is what it is. However, you may be making your situation is decide to dedicate yourself to raising as much HELL as possible. I’m not saying that it will delay your case but think about how you would feel if someone was on YOUR back for merely doing your job. You can do the math.
5) If your CASE is bad, you may make your situation worse.
And OOOOOOOO, looky heya!! Everybody thinks their case is the BOMB!! Recognize this fact. You need to check yourself. If you haven’t been to a doctor in years or you have information in your file that would significantly HURT your case, do I even need to mention that you will effectively get ‘The HOOCHIE LIPS” (and if you don’t what those lips look like, think about the look you have when you think someone is trying to make their situation worse than it is) from SSA if you try to make noise with a bad case?
I am a firm believer that everyone should avail themselves the use of their elected public official. These individuals are there to serve you. In some cases, it helps. Just remember that your public servant is there to serve and not be used as a sword.
