Released on: March 4, 2008, 7:26 am

Press Release Author: Manuel Salvacion

Industry: Law

Press Release Summary: WASHINGTON DC - House Ways and Means subcommittee members
have found the chance to ask the Social Security Administration (SSA) about the
status of the disability backlogs and other significant issues during the hearing's
question-and-answer session last January 16.

Press Release Body: WASHINGTON DC - House Ways and Means subcommittee members have
found the chance to ask the Social Security Administration (SSA) about the status of
the disability backlogs and other significant issues during the hearing's
question-and-answer session last January 16.

Subcommittee members took turns asking David Rust, SSA acting deputy commissioner of
the Office of Disability and Income Security Programs, on various issues besetting
the agency including the problem on the proposed rules on the appeals process and on
SSA funding.

Rep. Earl Pomeroy (D-ND) expressed concern about the backlog, and noted that the
proposed rules change in the appeals process would only make the process more
difficult and further discourage people to make appeals. Pomeroy, however, urged the
agency to proceed slowly with the proposed rule.

On the other hand, Rep. Allyson Schwartz (D-PA) and Rep. Xavier Becerra (D-CA) also
held similar views on the proposed change.

About two-thirds of the estimated 2.5 million disability applicants are often turned
down by state agencies at the initial stage. Many of them give up after this or
after the reconsideration stage.

Data showed that backlogs in disability claims are caused by some 575,000 applicants
who had continued to go on with the appeals process.
As a result, the growing delays in the appeal process over the last decade due in
part from litigation and financing shortages was further complicated by the lack of
new administrative law judges. In addition, the number of applications is rising as
baby boomers reach their 50s and 60s.

Meanwhile, the Social Security administration has pledged to speed up decisions on
the backlog cases. As initial step, the agency said, it had already taken measures
for quicker approval for those who are clearly eligible for the benefits. The agency
added that it has also increased the number of hearings by video.

The agency however insisted that it will need more funds to address the shortage of
administrative law judge to hear appeals cases. The agency needs at least $100
million extra fund on top of the $9 million promised by the President to raise the
number of judges to 1,200.

Los Angeles Social Security Law Attorney - If you have suffered an injury that has
resulted in a disability, you may be able to collect compensation from Social
Security. Our Los Angeles Social Security Law Attorneys are experts on what Social
Security Administration requires for claiming Social Security Disability benefits
and for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Disability claims. Please log on to
www.socialsecuritylawattorney.com for more information.

Web Site: http://www.socialsecuritylawattorney.com

Contact Details: 12400 Wilshire Blvd. Suite 810, Los Angeles, California