In the last few months, more than any other time in our practice, I’ve requested a Congressional Inquiry in the process of escalating a social security claim.
Why? Because Social Security has been extremely slow at processing claims. We’ve had initial claims take up to 23 months for a decision. Again, why? We know there are staffing shortages within Social Security. We also know cases have been moved within the federal system so keeping tabs on a case has been difficult, at best.
What does it mean to do a Congressional Inquiry? It means you ask your U.S. Senator to check into the problem you are having with Social Security. Every U.S. Senator has full-time staff that works with federal agencies, including Social Security. They reach out to Social Security in an effort to discover why there is a hold up or to assist in fixing the problem.
Does this work? Absolutely. Social Security is funded federally, and no one wants funds cut to this agency, especially Social Security.
How do you do a congressional inquiry? First, figure out who your U.S. Senator is (here is a list by state with links to their websites: https://www.senate.gov/senators/). From the senators website, you will see a “Service” tab, from there select “Help with a Federal Agency.” You will receive a prompt to sign a release of information and to outline the issues. You can attach a longer explanation of the issue with dates and people if you know that information. Typically, it takes about two weeks to get results.
When do you use this option?
- If you are not getting a response from any Social Security office, you have made multiple attempts, and given them time to respond.
- When payments are not paid in a timely manner.
- No one should have to wait months for payments or months for a response on questions or determinations.
This is a last resort option, not a first resort option. I use it sparingly, but when it is needed, I don’t hesitate to contact my senators. If you are having trouble with your case, please feel free to contact any of the Mission Possible staff for help.
Patty Sexton – (360) 798 2920
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