Political Pressure Gets Buffalo More ALJs

From the Buffalo News:

In a step to alleviate the severe backlog of disability claims in Western New York, the Social Security Administration will appoint two more administrative law judges to Buffalo area hearing offices, Rep. Brian Higgins announced Friday. ...

After the Social Security Administration released data in March showing Buffalo’s large backlog of disability claims, Higgins, D-Buffalo, and Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, DN. Y., wrote to Social Security Administration Commissioner Michael Astrue, calling for the appointment of more judges in the district.

The new hires will reduce the time judges waste commuting back and forth between the Buffalo and Rochester offices, Higgins said.

Higgins said more must be done to lessen the strain on Buffalo- area offices.

“I’m not content with this action,” he said. “It’s wonderful news, but we’re going to keep seeking changes.”