My opinion is that the numbers dropped because of the FO offices being closed. Not all people have internet service. That's just my opinion, so please don't condescend me.
The conclusions often drawn from this - namely that SSA employees are failing to effectively serve communities - leave out so many factors.
1. Many, many, many SSI claims are filed by attorneys/reps at the appeal level (e.g. when a T2 claim is denied, the claimant gets a rep, the rep requires or submits a T16 claim just in case). When many DDS essentially shut down claims processing at the start of the pandemic the volume of T2 denials (that often trigger claimants contacting an authorized rep) slowed dramatically. This had a direct effect on SSI claims.
2. Many, many, many SSI claims generated at the time of a T2 appeal either were not eligible at the time of filing the T2 (and were closed out for T16 properly at that time) or still aren't technically eligible (at time of T2 appeal) but reps submit them anyway. This volume change is not attributable to SSA's failure to serve.
3. OHO drastically reduced/delayed decision-making when the pandemic started. Many, many, many SSI claims are refilers who file a new concurrent claim (often at the direction of a rep) immediately after OHO denials. So, when OHO proccessing/denials slow or stop = drastic reduction in SSI claims.
4. Early on, many would-be SSI claimants were not eligible due to pandemic assistance - and thus claims weren't taken. Of course, the policy was later changed to exclude all sorts of pandemic assistance, but it's impossible to unring that bell (and the associated drop in claims). The impact on initial claims was obvious.
5. In an effort to properly utilize limited resources, most offices had finally embraced using closeout notices rather than taking an obvious T16 denial claim. This saved time and resources allowing SSA staff to effectively serve other customers. Essentially, offices stopped taking frivolous claims. This was a good thing - not a lack of service to communities.
Now that DDS and OHO are back to processing claims more efficiently, there will be an slow uptick in SSI claims. And, now that offices are being bludgeoned with "you failed to serve certain communities" offices will revert to using limited staff and resources to just take a claim from everyone to pad the stats and avoid the criticism and condemnation from "leaders."
Result: wasting resources that could be used to process legitimate work. We see this here in New York as well as in other regions.
3:13 correct. We literally have a psi, or actual fiscal year workload goal, as a result to increase SSI applications by 15%. Insanity. Yet strangely, there is no 15% increase in time or resources to do, ergo… insured DIB claims, rib claims, other appts, etc are bound to suffer. So, please remember this when you are asking about your DIB attorney fees, backpay, workers comp offset cases, etc etc. KK’s priorities are clear. SSI, ‘underserved’ communities, agency DEI programs and trainings, our ‘Pronoun Policy,’ food stamp applications, etc. We don’t have time for silly things like paying insured people.
There is a clear pattern, which I see in my business. There is a distinct drop off in applications for benefits in the summer months, rising in the fall and winter. This graph perfectly reflects my new clients over the same time period.
My opinion is that the numbers dropped because of the FO offices being closed. Not all people have internet service. That's just my opinion, so please don't condescend me.
ReplyDeleteThe conclusions often drawn from this - namely that SSA employees are failing to effectively serve communities - leave out so many factors.
ReplyDelete1. Many, many, many SSI claims are filed by attorneys/reps at the appeal level (e.g. when a T2 claim is denied, the claimant gets a rep, the rep requires or submits a T16 claim just in case). When many DDS essentially shut down claims processing at the start of the pandemic the volume of T2 denials (that often trigger claimants contacting an authorized rep) slowed dramatically. This had a direct effect on SSI claims.
2. Many, many, many SSI claims generated at the time of a T2 appeal either were not eligible at the time of filing the T2 (and were closed out for T16 properly at that time) or still aren't technically eligible (at time of T2 appeal) but reps submit them anyway. This volume change is not attributable to SSA's failure to serve.
3. OHO drastically reduced/delayed decision-making when the pandemic started. Many, many, many SSI claims are refilers who file a new concurrent claim (often at the direction of a rep) immediately after OHO denials. So, when OHO proccessing/denials slow or stop = drastic reduction in SSI claims.
4. Early on, many would-be SSI claimants were not eligible due to pandemic assistance - and thus claims weren't taken. Of course, the policy was later changed to exclude all sorts of pandemic assistance, but it's impossible to unring that bell (and the associated drop in claims). The impact on initial claims was obvious.
5. In an effort to properly utilize limited resources, most offices had finally embraced using closeout notices rather than taking an obvious T16 denial claim. This saved time and resources allowing SSA staff to effectively serve other customers. Essentially, offices stopped taking frivolous claims. This was a good thing - not a lack of service to communities.
Now that DDS and OHO are back to processing claims more efficiently, there will be an slow uptick in SSI claims. And, now that offices are being bludgeoned with "you failed to serve certain communities" offices will revert to using limited staff and resources to just take a claim from everyone to pad the stats and avoid the criticism and condemnation from "leaders."
Result: wasting resources that could be used to process legitimate work. We see this here in New York as well as in other regions.
Unemployment is at a decades and decades and decades low, wages are up, and inflation means your paycheck is still better than your dib check.
ReplyDelete3:13 correct. We literally have a psi, or actual fiscal year workload goal, as a result to increase SSI applications by 15%. Insanity. Yet strangely, there is no 15% increase in time or resources to do, ergo… insured DIB claims, rib claims, other appts, etc are bound to suffer.
ReplyDeleteSo, please remember this when you are asking about your DIB attorney fees, backpay, workers comp offset cases, etc etc. KK’s priorities are clear. SSI, ‘underserved’ communities, agency DEI programs and trainings, our ‘Pronoun Policy,’ food stamp applications, etc. We don’t have time for silly things like paying insured people.
There is a clear pattern, which I see in my business. There is a distinct drop off in applications for benefits in the summer months, rising in the fall and winter. This graph perfectly reflects my new clients over the same time period.
ReplyDeleteBoomers are retiring.
ReplyDelete