Frank Bisignano was confirmed by the United States Senate and sworn in as the Commissioner of the Social Security Administration (SSA) on May 7, 2025. During his swearing-in ceremony, Commissioner Bisignano said, “We will protect Social Security and make the SSA a premier organization.”
The Commissioner provides leadership and oversees all SSA programs and activities, including policy changes, administration, finances, resources, and accountability for the various programs. The programs include Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Medicare and Medicaid.
We monitor changes at the agency closely because these programs directly impact our clients.
What This Means For You
While there is uncertainty about how and when changes will take place, Commissioner Bisignano identified several areas of concern within the SSA, along with goals to improve them.
Clearing the Backlog
A growing concern for Social Security Disability claimant’s is the amount of time it takes to receive approval for their benefits.
According to the Fiscal Year 2025 Congressional Operating Plan, the overall backlog of disability claims is trending downwards, slightly.
From the FY 2025 Congressional Operating Plan Performance Table:
| Claims Pending | FY 2024 Enacted | FY 2024 Actual | FY 2025 Enacted |
|---|---|---|---|
| Initial Claims | 1,061,000 | 1,178,000 | 1,015,000 |
| Reconsiderations | 421,000 | 332,000 | 394,000 |
| Hearings | 282,000 | 262,000 | 272,000 |
| Total Pending | 1,764,000 | 1,772,000 | 1,681,000 |
Decreasing Processing Time
In addition, the average processing time is down slightly for initial Social Security Disability claims, down significantly for hearings, but reconsideration claims have increased slightly from the FY 2024 Actual average processing time.
| Average Processing Time (in days) | FY 2024 Enacted | FY 2024 Actual | FY 2025 Enacted |
|---|---|---|---|
| Initial Claims | 230 | 231 | 225 |
| Reconsiderations | 230 | 231 | 248 |
| Hearings | 345 | 342 | 280 |
The decrease in processing time for hearings may be attributed to a recent change in hearing rules, which allows claimants to appear by online video, in addition to agency video, audio, or in person. The addition of “online video” means that a person can attend the hearing from a private location with their own equipment and without the need to travel.
In addition, the SSA is prioritizing video and phone (audio) hearings. The method to choose which option you prefer for your hearing is complicated, so it’s important to work with your attorney to ensure the best choice for your circumstances.
Fixing the Error Rate
The payment error rate, specifically overpayments, can be financially devastating for our clients. If an overpayment is found, the SSA can withhold 100% of the claimants’ monthly benefits until the overpayment has been repaid.
It’s important to monitor your monthly benefits payments, to avoid overpayment issues. The focus on improving the rate of errors could mean more overpayment notices in the interim as the system is reviewed for discrepancies.
Improving Customer Service
Currently, the average hold time at Social Security is 22 minutes. The new goal is to answer the phone in less than a minute, however it is unclear when the improvement in hold time will be implemented. In the meantime, continue to utilize the My SSA Account portal for faster access to information about your benefits and to check the status of your claim.
Choice in Access Points
There will also be a push to provide access to the administration through multiple channels. The new Commissioner stated, “We have to meet beneficiaries where they want to be – field office, phone, or web – and all three have to execute well.”
How Fields Law Can Help
Navigating the SSDI application and appeals process is complicated and confusing. From completing paperwork on time to gathering medical records and attending hearings, no matter where you are in the process, our team can help.
