This year marks the 70th anniversary of the creation of the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program, marking our commitment to supporting Americans with disabilities. SSDI was enacted on August 1, 1956, when President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed the Social Security Amendments of 1956. Since then, SSDI has become a cornerstone of our nation’s commitment to support American workers whose lives were changed by disabling illness or injury.
For seven decades, the SSDI program has provided essential support to millions of workers with disabilities and their families. It is a lifeline offering stability and hope to the American people during life’s most challenging moments.
The Social Security Disability Insurance Program Today
Currently, more than eight million Americans with disabilities rely on SSDI. Over the last year, we have significantly improved service delivery for those receiving disability benefits. This includes:
- Reduced Wait Times: At the initial determination level, wait times have been shortened by over 25 percent since fiscal year (FY) 2024, with decisions now arriving 40 days faster than in January 2025. For those filing both initial and reconsideration claims, wait times have decreased by 47 days.
- Achieved Historic Lows in Hearings Wait Times: The average wait time for hearings has reached all-time lows, with virtual service channels now representing over 90% of all customer hearings, making access more convenient and efficient.
- Increased Productivity: Disability examiners now clear 13 percent more cases per week than in FY 2025. Administrative Law Judges are completing nearly 20 percent more cases per day and expect to finish 25,000 more cases by the end of FY 2026 compared to FY 2025.
- Expedited Decisions: Through the Disability Examiner Decisional Authority (DEDA), experienced examiners can make fully favorable determinations in certain cases, resulting in over 150,000 expedited decisions since 2025.
In addition, our digital-first approach has prioritized:
- Operational enhancements to streamline case management and ensure timely, fair service for all applicants.
- Leveraging data and technology to enhance service delivery and transparency, ensuring the agency is prepared to meet future needs with greater efficiency and care.
- Initiatives like the Ticket to Work program, which empower beneficiaries with opportunities for rehabilitation and employment.
