ACLU Contends Disability Backlogs is a Violation of Due Process

In a recent statement released today, the American Civil Liberties Union, contends that the Social Security Disability backlog is a violation of individual due process. The statement was released on the heels of Congressional rumors that the House of Representatives is pushing two Congressional bills, The Secure America Through Verification and Enforcement Act of 2008 (H.R. 4088) and the New Employee Verification Act of 2008 (H.R. 5515). The ACLU and various other organizations are concerned that the new measures of verify employment will only cripple the existing system.

With a system already overworked and understaffed, the new measures are bound to increase the backlog of decisions. Currently, disability cases have an average of 499 days with some regions of up to 700 days. With staffing levels at their lowest since 1972, the recent House Resolutions would place and additional burden to staff workers at the Social Security Administration.

Although I am not overly excited about the ACLU becoming involved, I do agree with the underlying premise. Eventhough I am extremely interested in the Disability aspect of the backlog, the new measures would also effect the SSA staff workers in taking their time in retirement benefits and other Social Security decisions.