Indiana Accident News

Indiana Wait For Social Security Disability Can Be Three Years

Indiana's News Center and reporter Scott Sarvay presented an "In Your Corner" news opinion piece regarding the long waits that face those with disabilities across the state of Indiana.

Reporting out of Fort Wayne, Indiana, Sarvary opened his investigation into Indiana's Social Security Disability system with a visit with Shelia Dorrell, a 56-year-old who has not been able to work since 2004 due to her mounting health issues. Dorrell suffers from osteoporosis, heart problems, and light-headedness. Although you might assume that she is covered by Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you'd be wrong. She has been waiting to be approved for support for years.

Since she can't work to earn an income, Dorrell survives off of food stamps as well as a hardship public housing waiver. She is one of many victims of an overwhelmed system. "I don't know what to do, I give them everything they want and it's not enough," she said.

Although her two daughters try to help and support their mother, her medical problems are too much for them to bear alone. One daughter, Michelle Mofield said, "it's very difficult, I feel like she's being pushed aside because she can't contribute to society anymore."  If granted benefits, Dorrell would receive $725 a month to live.

Dorrell's case is not unique. A full 67 percent of those who apply for SSDI are initially denied, Dorrell among them. She put in her first application in 2007.

However, the Social Security offices across the state are fighting the situation, with the Social Security Administration (SSA) saying there is a "concerted effort" to handle cases that are over two years old. They are underfunded, stressed, and understaffed, according to their offices. Although a national rollout last year added almost 200 judges to the SSA, the backlog remains.

William Jarrett of the SSA said, "We've certainly made some strides in the last year and we're happy about that, but certainly we have a ways to go and it's gonna take time".

Of course, time is something vital when it comes to Dorrell and others who are suffering without benefits. Dorrell says, "it's not just me, it's my family and they can't afford it either". Dorrell's daughter Michelle questions, "What if she didn't have a family? Where would she be, in a shelter? It's not fair".

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