Local SS offices don't have any more "pull" with the payment center
than claimants (or claimants' lawyers). And if a claimant calls them
directly, the first question they might ask is, "How did you get this
number?!". They do *not* like hearing from claimants.
It took over eight months from the date of my fully favorable bench
decision (the judge's written decision was issued two days later) to
get my back pay, with one person after another claiming my case
"fell through the cracks". Paying a lawyer and joint claims (to repay
any previous SSI that was received) can add weeks or even months
to the process.
Bottom line is, the payment center like everyone else in the SSA is
overwhelmed by their caseloads. The payment center rep said she
had a stack of cases a foot and a half high waiting to be finished,
and she also claimed cases which get "bumped" for one reason or
another (e.g. letters from elected officials on behalf of a claim) can
actually *lengthen* the amount of time it takes. I'm not trying to
discourage anyone, only saying you might need to keep harrassing
the payment center to get anywhere.
Mike
Post by PamContact information for the payment center can be found at
http://www.ssa.gov/vendor/contact.htm
Fax: (410) 965-9248
Social Security Administration
Office of Finance
PO Box 47
Baltimore, MD 21235-0047
faxed to 410-965-9248
Address the letter to Supervisor. Explain briefly what has gone on
with the case. Try to keep the message to only one page.
You are not alone. I had the same problem with the local office and
my daughter's backpay and status. Hope this helps.
Pam
Post by kenAnyone have the phone number for the Baltimore Office fo SSDI? My
daughter Has some back pay coming to her and she is getting the run
around when she calls the local office.
Thanks in advance.