I recently noticed that my firm's database shows that we have more cases awaiting either an initial or reconsideration determination than we have awaiting action by the Office of Hearings Operations. I don't think I've seen this since the 1980s.
For good reason, we've had a lot of attention to Social Security's hearing backlog but that one is coming down rapidly. I haven't seen the national figures but even though the number of claims filed is down the state agency backlog seems to be growing. It's certainly not shrinking. I've personally got a couple of cases stuck at the initial level since last July but I'm now getting cases scheduled for a hearing within six months after the request for hearing. Maybe one reason the hearing backlog is going down so rapidly is the increasing backlogs at the initial and reconsideration levels.
It has been very clear to me for a year now that initial and reconsideration level cases are being purposefully slowed. This, in turn, has slowed down receipts at the hearing office. While the hearing backlog is better, the overall wait time to get a favorable decision has not. We track closely, call frequently. Cases are logged in at recon, but held inactive... not assigned to a reviewer for 60 to 90 days. A case can leave the DDS, but no denial letter issued for 60 days. I am warning all my clients that getting through initial and recon can take a full year these days. In my area, the wait time to a hearing has shrunk to one year, but the wait to get decision written is 60-90 days and then another 60-90 for payment. This seems to be just moving the deck chairs.
ReplyDeleteIt is likely going to get worse, as the DDS budgets are now being reduced.
ReplyDeleteWondered when the whining would switch now that the Hearing numbers are looking better every month. Now we know.
ReplyDeleteHard to believe that someone believes that case processing is being "purposefully slowed". It is a simple case of supply and demand. To few CR/BAs to process the cases for quite awhile now.
ReplyDelete10:38 oh it cant be that simple, it has to be a Deep State plot or a Republican plan to repeal SSA or the reptile people taking over the world. How could it be so simple as not enough bodies to do the work with new hires not getting the wages, benefits and retirement they used to get why wouldn't people stand in line to do these "easy and low pressure" jobs? Has to be Bigfoot.
ReplyDeleteMake no mistake about it. SSA positions are still great jobs. Excellent wages, health insurance, benefits, telework, vacation and sick leave, generally nice facilities, and more. The field office jobs have never been easy/low pressure in busy metro areas. With squeezed resources everyone is feeling added pressure but that is normal in today's world.
ReplyDeleteI don't think any position under GS-12 in Operations is great save for a few feathered nests in the ROs and HQ. It's brutal being a widget turner for SSA.
ReplyDeleteI love being a widget turner about 90% of the time. Dealing with the public is a great opportunity to help people, explain their options, get those that are in great need paid, etc.
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