The Labor-HHS Appropriations bill for Fiscal Year (FY) 2010, which includes funding for Social Security, has been scheduled for markup by the entire House Appropriations Committee on July 17 at 9:00. I have still not seen the bill as it cleared subcommittee last week. However, the Chairman's "mark" which was the starting point for subcommittee work, had the same amount for Social Security as President Obama proposed.
Jul 14, 2009
Startling Numbers On DDS Backlogs
Courtesy of the National Organization of Social Security Claimants Representatives (NOSSCR) here are some numbers on backlogs at the Disability Determination Services (DDS) which make decisions at the initial and reconsideration levels on Social Security disability claims. The increases in receipts and backlogs are startling. I cannot understand the dramatic differences in new receipts between the states. Certainly, differences in unemployment rates do not explain what is going on.
Hearing Backlog Report
Courtesy of the National Organization of Social Security Claimants Representatives (NOSSCR) here is the most recent report on average processing times at Social Security's hearing offices. Click on each image to see it full size.
Compare the average processing time as it has changed over time:
- January 25, 2007 -- 508 days
- May 25, 2007 -- 523 days
- July 28, 2007 -- 528 days
- August 31, 2007 -- 523 days
- November 30, 2007 -- 500 days
- February 29, 2008 -- 511 days
- May 30, 2008 -- 523 days
- June 27, 2008 -- 529 days
- July 31, 2008 -- 530 days
- September 3, 2008 -- 532 days
- November 5, 2008 -- 476 days
- December 3, 2008 -- 480 days
- March 8, 2009 -- 499 days
- April 24, 2009 -- 505 days
- June 3, 2009 -- 505 days
Further update: NOSSCR was kind enough to supply me with the correct first page. I have posted it above.
Jul 13, 2009
Attorney Advisor Program Extended
From today's Federal Register:
We are extending for two years our rule authorizing attorney advisors to conduct certain prehearing procedures and to issue fully favorable decisions. The current rule is scheduled to expire on August 10, 2009. In this final rule, we are extending the sunset date to August 10, 2011. We are making no other substantive changes.
Jul 12, 2009
Reaction To Fox News Attack Story
The Arizona Republic business section contains a reaction to the Fox News attack piece about the conference that Social Security held at the Arizona Biltmore, mostly expressing concern about the local tourism industry.
Jul 11, 2009
Non-Attorney Representer Expands
From a press release:
SSC Disability (a Social Service Coordinators company) has announced a name change to Freedom Disability and has expanded its operations into a new corporate headquarters in Shelton, CT. The larger 22,000 square foot facility will accommodate the continued growth of the business, bringing hundreds of new jobs to the state. ...
[T]he expansion to a new facility represents our commitment to the national Disability Services market, as well as our community here in Connecticut. We are pleased to be able to grow and offer new employment opportunities in an otherwise challenging economy. Not only will we be hiring in Shelton, but we will also be adding remote Disability Advocates across the country and in our regional offices in Florida and Arizona." ...
Updated Fee Payment Stats
Updated information on payments of fees to attorneys and others for representing Social Security claimants:
Fee Payments | ||
|---|---|---|
| Month/Year | Volume | Amount |
Jan-09 | 28,423 | $101,128,880.69 |
Feb-09 | 31,352 | $112,791,207.17 |
Mar-09 | 29,199 | $104,155,187.96 |
Apr-09 | 30,963 | $110,133,425.19 |
May-09 | 36,603 | $126,725,262.45 |
June-09 | 31,799 | $113,962,564.84 |
Mock Hearing For Congress
From Sheri Abrams's blog:
In an additional effort to promote understanding of the hearings, the ABA [American Bar Association] sponsored a mock Social Security disability hearing for congressional staff members. The session showed them what occurs at the hearings, which ordinarily are closed to the public due to privacy concerns.
Members of the ABA presented the mock hearing May 27 at the U.S. Capitol. ... The Standing Committee on Governmental Affairs sponsored the program, and its chair, Wm. T. (Bill) Robinson III, served as moderator. The mock hearing was cosponsored by 12 ABA entities and staffed by the Governmental Affairs Office. Social Security Deputy Commissioner David V. Foster answered questions from congressional staff.
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