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Burchett introduces bill expediting late social security payments to claimants

January 27, 2020

WASHINGTON – Congressman Tim Burchett (TN-02) introduced legislation to quickly deliver past-due benefits to individuals who are owed money from the Social Security Administration. Rep. Burchett's bill, H.R. 5634, amends the Social Security Act to require that past-due benefits be paid prior to the payment of social security representative fees.

Individuals waiting on payment from the Social Security Administration often hire legal representatives to help them apply for and secure benefits. However, these representatives are often paid by the Social Security Administration first while their clients face delays in receiving their benefits. Rep. Burchett believes Americans who are owed Social Security payments should be a priority.

"Attorneys doing a job for their client absolutely deserve payment, but it isn't right for those in need of their social security back-pay to wait while their attorney collects payment before they do," said Rep. Burchett. "The Social Security Administration needs to do their job and process these payments in a timely manner. Any delay in back-pay compensation can have devastating consequences on Americans who rely on Social Security."