PHILADELPHIA (CBS) — A disability rights group filed a lawsuit on Monday against the Pennsylvania Welfare Department to try to increase the speed at which applications for certain benefits are processed. 

At issue are waivers to Medicaid rules, says Robert Meek, attorney for the Disability Rights Network of Pennsylvania…

“Generally the waivers individuals who need assistance in maintaining their  home, in getting attendant care, which is in some cases helping them get out of bed, because they cannot do it themselves because of their physical disability, and other sorts of housekeeping services.”

Meek says a state-hired waiver processor has been dismissing some claims over the phone and delaying others, so it’s impossible to know the scope of the problem…

“There could be hundreds, might be thousands of people who have had either denied or delayed applications.”

Meek hopes the lawsuit spurs quick action.  The Welfare Department has had no comment.>

Reported by KYW’s John Ostapkovich