Right now, hundreds of thousands of people are waiting for disability benefits from Social Security.

A spokesman says the backlog has been building since 2001. As we found out, it’s affecting people right here at home.

Kerwin Peterson of Strum says he’d love to be able to go back to work. But, he says a disability has him sidelined and struggling to make it.

"I have arthritis in my hands and could possibly be in my shoulders too,” he said. "I'm getting fatigue and muscle aches and pains and all that."

The 52-year-old – who used to drive semi trucks and deliver furniture – says he hasn’t been able to work since 2005.

"Tried a couple temporary jobs in 2006, but that was just a painful experience there."

So, he filed for disability insurance from Social Security. Three denials later, he says he’s waited since April 2008 for a hearing.

"It's just a simple, how 'bout some benefits is what I'm looking for,” he explained.

And, he’s not alone.

William Jarrett, with SSA, says nationwide about 760,000 people are waiting for disability benefits – 7,600 of them live in Wisconsin.

He says there are a lot of reasons for the delay.

"Just the sheer volume of claims receive,” Jarrett said. “The current economic downturn in the country certainly has an impact on the amount of folks or the number of folks who ultimately file for disability benefits."

Jarrett says SSA is committed to clearing the backlog, attacking the problem with a multi-step plan.

"Improving hearing office procedures, increasing the administrative law judge capacity to be able to hear cases and make a decision on cases and increasing the efficiency with automation and improved technology."

But, in the meantime, people like Kerwin are left to wait and worry.

"I worry a lot,” he said. “I worry about this house. I worry about our vehicles. We've taken out two small loans on the house. That money is long gone now. And we just keep cutting back."

Just this week, Congressman Ron Kind called for improvements in the disability insurance backlog.

If you’re waiting for benefits and have had a change in your health, Jarrett says you should contact Social Security right away.