Social Security Hearings Backlog Falls
Topic: U.S. Social Security
Author: U.S. Social Security
Published: 2010/03/02
Contents: Summary - Introduction - Main - Related
Synopsis: Social Security has actively addressed the hearings backlog and increased the capacity to hold more hearings.
Introduction
Social Security Hearings Backlog Falls to Lowest Level Since 2005 - Pending Cases Drop Below 700,000; Processing Time Down 72 Days.Main Digest
Michael J. Astrue, Commissioner of Social Security, today announced that the number of disability hearings pending stands at 697,437 cases - the lowest level since June 2005 and down more than 71,000 cases since December 2008, when the trend of month-by-month reductions began. In addition, the average processing time for hearing decisions has decreased to 442 days, down from a high of 514 days at the end of fiscal year (FY) 2008.
"We have decreased the number of hearings pending by almost 10 percent over the last 14 months and cut the time it takes to make a decision by nearly two and a half months. This remarkable progress shows our backlog reduction plan is working," Commissioner Astrue said. "With ongoing support from the President and Congress as well as the efforts of our hardworking employees, I am confident the hearings backlog will continue to diminish."
Social Security has actively addressed the hearings backlog and increased the capacity to hold more hearings. The agency hired 147 Administrative Law Judges (ALJs) and over 1,000 support staff in FY 2009, and has plans to hire an additional 226 ALJs this year. The agency now has four National Hearing Centers to help process hearings by video conference for the most hard-hit areas of the country. The agency also has aggressive plans to open 14 new hearing offices and three satellite offices by the end of the year. The first of these offices was opened in Anchorage, Alaska on February 19, 2010.
For more information about Social Security's hearings process and backlog reduction initiatives, go to www.socialsecurity.gov/appeals
Page Information, Citing and Disclaimer
Disabled World is a comprehensive online resource that provides information and news related to disabilities, assistive technologies, and accessibility issues. Founded in 2004 our website covers a wide range of topics, including disability rights, healthcare, education, employment, and independent living, with the goal of supporting the disability community and their families.
Cite This Page (APA): U.S. Social Security. (2010, March 2). Social Security Hearings Backlog Falls. Disabled World. Retrieved September 17, 2024 from www.disabled-world.com/disability/social-security/usa/social-backlog.php
Permalink: <a href="https://www.disabled-world.com/disability/social-security/usa/social-backlog.php">Social Security Hearings Backlog Falls</a>: Social Security has actively addressed the hearings backlog and increased the capacity to hold more hearings.
Disabled World provides general information only. Materials presented are never meant to substitute for qualified medical care. Any 3rd party offering or advertising does not constitute an endorsement.