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Delay in disability payment for some Californians

On Behalf of | Jan 24, 2013 | Social Security Disability Benefits

The transition from one form to another can often lead to confusion when paperwork changes are made, especially when dealing with government agencies. Throw on top of that a move to paperless forms, and you double the likelihood of errors and delays in processing.

Unfortunately for some California residents awaiting their disability benefit checks, the transition to a new online system and forms back in October has created some problems for the state’s Employment Development Department. The Department is working overtime, weekends, and evenings in order to fix a backlog of errors and delays in California disability checks being delivered.

This transition to a paperless system coincides with the federal government’s transition to an online payment system for Social Security Disability benefits taking effect in March which was discussed in our previous blog on January 10th. In some instances, the new system does not recognize the old forms that some were still filling out in the midst of the transition, which results in the need to start anew for those benefit claims.

One nurse who had surgery in October and was counting on disability claim payments did not receive them until December in one lump sum. She had returned to work two weeks prior, so while the payment was a pleasant surprise in December it did not arrive during the time in which she was in need of it.

If you are having difficulties making the transition to a paperless online system, either in California, or with the federal program, please reach out to someone who can assist you. Often times an attorney can help you through the process in order to ensure that your disability needs and financial benefits available to you are filed properly and paid in a timely manner. Please do not hesitate to reach out to an attorney practiced in the area of disability benefits.

Source: Santa Cruz Sentinel, “California disability checks delayed,” Jondi Gumz, Jan. 21, 2013

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