Saturday, 30 March 2013
About Time
Posted on 08:43 by Unknown
I have heard multiple reports that the policy that has kept the identity of the Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) assigned to hear a Social Security appeal a secret is to end in the near future. It's about time.
How Many Fees Does Social Security Expect To Collect?
Posted on 07:58 by Unknown
From a solicitation posted by Social Security:
The Social Security Administration (SSA) plans to issue a solicitation
for a streamlined remittance process and an automated system solution to
collect fees from SSA's field offices for non-programmatic services. The
total system solution, Social Security Remittance System, (SERS) will
provide 1300 field offices with an automated
Friday, 29 March 2013
Some Ideas For "Reforming" Social Security Disability
Posted on 08:38 by Unknown
This is what I love about the "experts" who want to "reform" Social Security disability. They keep promoting ideas that are politically hopeless or obviously doomed to failure. From Dylan Matthews writing in the Wonkblog at the Washington Post, with my comments in brackets:
Chana Jaffe-Walt’s NPR article/segment
on disability insurance has provoked considerable debate as to the
Rivlin Award Draws Controversy
Posted on 07:24 by Unknown
From Michael Hiltzik writing in the Los Angeles Times:
Robert M. Ball is one of the most revered figures in Social Security history, a man whose devotion to safeguarding the program from ideological attacks and political cant over six decades made him the program's "undisputed spiritual leader."
Alice M. Rivlin is a distinguished budget expert at the Brookings Institution whose
Thursday, 28 March 2013
New Visual Disorder Listings Published
Posted on 05:57 by Unknown
After a little delay, Social Security's new visual disorder listings are in the Federal Register today.
Wednesday, 27 March 2013
The "Disability Industrial Complex"
Posted on 06:06 by Unknown
From All Things Considered on NPR:
There exists today what I'm going to call a Disability Industrial
Complex. And Charles Binder had a big hand in creating it. When he
started in 1979, Binder and Binder represented less than 50 clients.
Last year, 30,000; 30,000 people who were denied disability appealed
with the help of Charles Binder - in one year. The firm made $68.7
million in
Tuesday, 26 March 2013
Agenda For Upcoming Conference
Posted on 03:00 by Unknown
Disability Conference
I know those of you working for Social Security cannot access this from your offices. I'm sorry but you need to ask the IT people at Social Security to drop this ridiculous restriction. You can always access this from at home.
The Assault Continues
Posted on 02:59 by Unknown
From the Atlantic:
Imagine for a moment that Congress woke up one morning, realized that the United States was suffering from a paralyzing long-term unemployment crisis, and, in a moment of progressive pique, decided to create a welfare program aimed at middle-aged, blue-collar workers.
The one thing everybody could probably agree on is that it should help all those
Imagine for a moment that Congress woke up one morning, realized that the United States was suffering from a paralyzing long-term unemployment crisis, and, in a moment of progressive pique, decided to create a welfare program aimed at middle-aged, blue-collar workers.
The one thing everybody could probably agree on is that it should help all those
Monday, 25 March 2013
NPR Discovers Social Security Disability
Posted on 07:25 by Unknown
From a story on Social Security disability on National Public Radio:
In the past three decades, the number of Americans who are on disability
has skyrocketed. The rise has come even as medical advances have
allowed many more people to remain on the job, and new laws have banned
workplace discrimination against the disabled. Every month, 14 million
people now get a disability check from
In the past three decades, the number of Americans who are on disability
has skyrocketed. The rise has come even as medical advances have
allowed many more people to remain on the job, and new laws have banned
workplace discrimination against the disabled. Every month, 14 million
people now get a disability check from
Sunday, 24 March 2013
Fear Mongering?
Posted on 13:01 by Unknown
Would the Wall Street Journal engage in fear mongering on Social Security? Here's what they wrote today:
Q: Will I receive Social Security benefits?
A: That's a big "It depends." If you're over 65, no sweat. If you're
45-65, you might see some changes from the relatively generous benefits
enjoyed by your parents. If you're under 45, you have plenty to
Saturday, 23 March 2013
Friday, 22 March 2013
Representative Payee Embezzles From 23 In New Hampshire
Posted on 05:44 by Unknown
From the Concord, NH Monitor:
A Weare woman has been sentenced to 13
months in federal prison for embezzling more than $52,000 in Social
Security and veterans benefits.
Heidi Lacerte stole the funds from 23
people while she was employed at the Office of Public Guardian, a
nonprofit that serves hundreds of legally incapacitated people across
the state, according to a release from
A Weare woman has been sentenced to 13
months in federal prison for embezzling more than $52,000 in Social
Security and veterans benefits.
Heidi Lacerte stole the funds from 23
people while she was employed at the Office of Public Guardian, a
nonprofit that serves hundreds of legally incapacitated people across
the state, according to a release from
ODAR Backlog Report
Posted on 03:00 by Unknown
This is a report from Social Security's Office of Disability Adjudication and Review (ODAR) showing the state of the backlog of cases waiting to be heard at each of its offices. Click twice on each image to see full size. This report was printed in the newsletter of the National Organization of Social Security Claimants Representatives (NOSSCR). The newsletter is not available online.
Thursday, 21 March 2013
CR Doesn't Cut Any Breaks For Social Security
Posted on 06:10 by Unknown
The Senate has passed a Continuing Resolution (CR) that will fund government operations through the rest of the fiscal year, subject to the sequestration. It is likely to be adopted by the House of Representatives intact. Here are the provisions relevant to Social Security, which I won't even try to interpret other than to say it seems clear to me that the agency didn't catch any breaks:
Wednesday, 20 March 2013
What About Alan Simpson As Chairman?
Posted on 09:01 by Unknown
From the Associated Press:
The Senate's No. 2 Democrat said Wednesday that he's preparing a plan to create a commission to study Social Security's fiscal problems and send a proposed solution to Congress for guaranteed votes in both House and Senate.
Illinois Democrat Dick Durbin says he's got bipartisan backing for the idea, which is patterned after President Barack Obama's 2010 deficit
The Senate's No. 2 Democrat said Wednesday that he's preparing a plan to create a commission to study Social Security's fiscal problems and send a proposed solution to Congress for guaranteed votes in both House and Senate.
Illinois Democrat Dick Durbin says he's got bipartisan backing for the idea, which is patterned after President Barack Obama's 2010 deficit
A "Ringing Call For Incrementalism"
Posted on 08:46 by Unknown
Some excerpts from an address by former Social Security Commissioner Michael Astrue at a Social Security Advisory Board (SSAB) forum on March 8:
I want to thank the SSAB for inviting me back to Washington.It has involved some sacrifice for me -- I’m going to miss the Early Bird Special this afternoon ... but I should be back in Boston for bingo tonight. ...
Unlike in the past, we
Posted in ALJs, Commissioner, Disability Policy, Social Security Alumni, SSAB, Work Incentives
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Social Security Subcommittee Hearing
Posted on 08:20 by Unknown
The written statements for today's hearing before the House Social Security Subcommittee are now available.
Patrick P. O’Carroll, Jr., Inspector General, Social Security Administration Testimony
Arthur R. Spencer, Associate Commissioner, Office of Disability Programs, Social Security Administration Testimony
Kathy Ruffing, Senior Fellow, Center on Budget and Policy Priorities Testimony
Waiting In Memphis
Posted on 05:56 by Unknown
From WMC in Memphis:
Federal budget cuts are being felt across the country and many of the
people who depend on social security benefits are being forced to wait. ...
The Social Security Administration was already dealing with an 8
percent budget cut and since the sequester, it has had to cut nearly all
overtime, decrease office hours, and let go of temporary employees.
This is
Federal budget cuts are being felt across the country and many of the
people who depend on social security benefits are being forced to wait. ...
The Social Security Administration was already dealing with an 8
percent budget cut and since the sequester, it has had to cut nearly all
overtime, decrease office hours, and let go of temporary employees.
This is
Tuesday, 19 March 2013
Witness List For Tomorrow's Hearing
Posted on 10:23 by Unknown
The House Social Security Subcommittee has posted the witness list for tomorrow's hearing on "The Challenges of Achieving Fair and Consistent Disability Decisions":
Patrick P. O’Carroll, Jr., Inspector General, Social Security Administration, accompanied by
Heather Hermann, National Coordinator, Cooperative Disability
Investigations Program, Office of the Inspector General, Social
Visual Impairment Listing Change Delayed
Posted on 10:17 by Unknown
The Office of Management and Budget (OMB), which is part of the White House, has to approve any new regulations that Social Security and other agencies want to publish in the Federal Register. On March 5, OMB approved a final version of new visual disorder listings for Social Security. Once OMB approves new regulations for Social Security, they ordinarily appear in the Federal Register in
Monday, 18 March 2013
The Consequences Of The "Secret ALJ" Policy
Posted on 06:02 by Unknown
For some months now Social Security has been trying to withhold the identity of the Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) scheduled to hold one of its hearings. This caused a raft of Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) lawsuits which the agency could not win. Social Security is now revealing the identity of an ALJ to those who make FOIA requests. I am hearing that the agency has a pending workload
Sunday, 17 March 2013
No Need To Gut Social Security Disability Benefits
Posted on 06:50 by Unknown
I think it's important to repeat this excerpt from the testimony of Steve Goss, Social Security's Chief Actuary, at a Congressional hearing in December 2011:
Sustainable solvency can be restored for the Disability Insurance program with ... [A] simple tax-rate reallocation between OASI [Old Age and Survivors Insurance] and DI [Disability Insurance], as was done in 1994, could equalize
Saturday, 16 March 2013
House Oversight Committee Gets On The Disability Bandwagon
Posted on 07:42 by Unknown
From the Washington Free Beacon:
Fraud could be a major reason that the number of people enrolled in
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) has risen so dramatically
over the past 10 years, according to two letters written by the House
Oversight and Government Reform Committee.
The number of enrollees in the program grew by almost 60 percent
between 2003 and 2012, from 5.58
Fraud could be a major reason that the number of people enrolled in
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) has risen so dramatically
over the past 10 years, according to two letters written by the House
Oversight and Government Reform Committee.
The number of enrollees in the program grew by almost 60 percent
between 2003 and 2012, from 5.58
Congresswoman Criticizes Social Security Funding
Posted on 06:42 by Unknown
From the Shelton, CT Herald:
Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro, whose district includes part of Shelton,
is criticizing the impact of sequestration on the Social Security
Administration (SSA).
DeLauro said sequestration “puts the basic functions of Social
Security at risk” and the cuts come at a time when the agency — and many
other government departments — have been “dealing with
Friday, 15 March 2013
This Is What You Voted For, Oklahoma!
Posted on 07:09 by Unknown
From KXII in Oklahoma:
The Social Security Administration is closing a Texoma office, citing federal budget cuts and less foot traffic as reasons for the closure.
Allison Harris spoke with Hugo city leaders who are appealing this closure, saying it's undue and will be a burden for people in the area.
Hugo city leaders are concerned that southern Oklahomans will be deprived access
What An Inadequate Budget Does To Public Service
Posted on 03:01 by Unknown
From Acting Commissioner Colvin's testimony before the House Appropriations Committee on March 14.
What's it like where you are?
What Could Go Wrong?
Posted on 03:00 by Unknown
Britain is planning to reduce its expenditures under its Social Security disability program by 20%. All it will take is cutting 200,000 people off benefits. One of the contractors hired to do the chopping, Capita, plans to hire "meeters and greeters, buddies if you like, to ensure that people aren't overly anxious as they wait for their assessment." Capita has shown its sensitivity by
Who Doesn't Carry A Throwing Star?
Posted on 02:59 by Unknown
From the Bangor, ME Daily News:
An Arundel man remains free on $10,000 unsecured
bail after making his initial appearance Thursday in federal court on a
charge of possession of multiple weapons in a federal facility. ...
[Elmer] Pepin was summoned after bringing a throwing star, walking cane
sword, and folding knife with him into the Social Security
Administration’s Office of
An Arundel man remains free on $10,000 unsecured
bail after making his initial appearance Thursday in federal court on a
charge of possession of multiple weapons in a federal facility. ...
[Elmer] Pepin was summoned after bringing a throwing star, walking cane
sword, and folding knife with him into the Social Security
Administration’s Office of
Thursday, 14 March 2013
Appropriations Committee Hearing
Posted on 07:26 by Unknown
Sorry for the confusion. The hearing before the House Appropriations Committee on Social Security's administrative budget did go ahead today. Here are excerpts from Acting Commissioner Colvin's written testimony:
Shrinking resources and workforce, and rising workloads have resulted in people waiting much longer—and becoming increasingly frustrated. On those increasing occasions when
Social Security Subcommittee Hearings On Disability Programs
Posted on 07:16 by Unknown
The written testimony of Joyce Manchester, Chief of the Long-Term Analysis Unit of the Congressional Budget Office, and Stephen Goss, Social Security's Chief Actuary, at today's hearing before the House Social Security Subcommittee has been released.
The Subcommittee has also scheduled another hearing concerning Social Security's disability programs on March 20. The press release on
Wednesday, 13 March 2013
Witness List For House Social Security Subcommittee Hearing
Posted on 03:00 by Unknown
The witness list for Thursday's House Social Security Subcommittee hearing has been released. Only two witnesses are scheduled: Stephen Goss, Social Security's Chief Actuary and Joyce M. Manchester, Ph.D., Chief, Long-Term Analysis Unit, Health, Retirement, and Long-Term Analysis Division Congressional Budget Office.
Goss is on record saying that the shortfall in the Social Security
Tuesday, 12 March 2013
Way, Way Off Topic
Posted on 10:30 by Unknown
The Associated Press reports that "in a bizarre twist, basketball star Dennis Rodman is expected to
arrive in St. Peter's Square on Wednesday in a makeshift popemobile as
he campaigns for Cardinal Peter Turkson of Ghana to become the church's first black pope."
Reduce The COLA?
Posted on 06:10 by Unknown
Americans’ Views on
Changing Social Security’s Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA)
Increase the COLA
Reduce the COLA
Favor
64%
30%
Strongly
31
11
Somewhat
33
19
Not Sure
26
33
Oppose
10
37
Strongly
3
17
Somewhat
7
20
From a survey conducted by the National Academy of Social Insurance.
Monday, 11 March 2013
Former ALJ Bisantz Passes
Posted on 10:35 by Unknown
Retired Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) Mary Bisantz passed away yesterday. Bisantz was Acting Chief ALJ at one time.
Is More Rehab The Answer?
Posted on 08:58 by Unknown
The Deseret News of Salt Lake City has a long piece on "How federal disability policy mangles its mission." Here are a few excerpts:
Over the last 20 years, the disability rolls have burgeoned. In 1989,
just 2.3 percent of Americans aged 25-64 received SSDI benefits. Today,
that number has jumped to nearly 5 percent, or nearly 9 million adults.
Employment Down 2% In Last Year
Posted on 03:00 by Unknown
The Office of Personnel Management
(OPM) has posted updated figures for the number of employees at Social Security.These figures do not show the effects of reductions in overtime at Social Security.
December 2012 64,538
September 2012 65,113
June 2012 65,282
March
2012 65,257
December 2011 65,911
September 2011 67,136
June 2011 67,773
March 2011 68,700
December 2010 70,270
June 2010
Sunday, 10 March 2013
Updated Fee Payment Numbers
Posted on 03:00 by Unknown
Social Security has issued updated numbers on payments of fees
to attorneys and some others for representing Social Security
claimants. These fees are withheld and paid by Social Security but come
out of the back benefits of the claimants involved. The attorneys and
others who have their fees withheld pay a user fee for this privilege. Since these fees are usually
paid at the same
Saturday, 9 March 2013
Resistance To Chained CPI
Posted on 08:11 by Unknown
There is discomfort on the left with the President's apparent willingness to cut Social Security by adopting the chained CPI method of computing the Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA). R.J. Eskow says that the President may lose support on the left if he goes ahead with this, Alan Grayson is threatening civil disobedience and Megan McArdle is saying that benefits should be raised, not cut.
The Five Biggest Lies About Social Security And Medicare
Posted on 07:55 by Unknown
Michael Hiltzik at the LA Times lays out the five biggest lies about Social Security and Medicare.
Friday, 8 March 2013
Response To Ehrlich Attack Piece
Posted on 11:09 by Unknown
Ethel Zelenske of the National Organization of Social Security Claimants Representatives (NOSSCR) responds to the awful Robert Ehrlich op ed piece in the Baltimore Sun.
What I don't understand is the Baltimore Sun's recent interest in Social Security affairs. For many years, the Sun studiously ignored one of the largest employers in its area. Now, we're seeing Social Security articles
Thursday, 7 March 2013
HR Passes CR
Posted on 08:35 by Unknown
The House of Representatives (HR) has passed its version of a Continuing Resolution (CR) that would keep the government functioning for the rest of the fiscal year, albeit with the across the board sequestration cuts in place. The bill clearly exempts from the sequestration money appropriated for Social Security for continuing disability reviews and SSI redeterminations. (page 268). It also
Social Security Benefits Safe Because Of "Suicidal Spite"
Posted on 06:33 by Unknown
From Jonathan Chait:
As sequestration begins, Republicans have been overtaken with something
close to giddiness, and Democrats seized with gloom. It appeared as
recently as a few months ago that the threat of across-the-board cuts,
disproportionately hurting defense, would force Republicans to negotiate
a long-term debt reduction agreement. But Republicans are happily
announcing their
As sequestration begins, Republicans have been overtaken with something
close to giddiness, and Democrats seized with gloom. It appeared as
recently as a few months ago that the threat of across-the-board cuts,
disproportionately hurting defense, would force Republicans to negotiate
a long-term debt reduction agreement. But Republicans are happily
announcing their
Bomb Scare In Georgia
Posted on 05:44 by Unknown
From the Athens, GA Banner-Herald:
Emergency personnel responded to the Social Security Administration
building on Prince Avenue in Athens Wednesday after an unidentified
pint-sized bottle of liquid was discovered by an employee about 11 a.m.
All employees were immediately evacuated, and within a couple of
hours, the bottle had been removed from the building by a University of
Emergency personnel responded to the Social Security Administration
building on Prince Avenue in Athens Wednesday after an unidentified
pint-sized bottle of liquid was discovered by an employee about 11 a.m.
All employees were immediately evacuated, and within a couple of
hours, the bottle had been removed from the building by a University of
Wednesday, 6 March 2013
Hearings Postponed
Posted on 07:47 by Unknown
Because of predicted snowfall, the House Appropriations hearing for Social Security's administrative budget that had been scheduled today has been postponed. There has been no announcement on tomorrow's House Social Security Subcommittee hearing.
Update: The House Social Security Subcommittee hearing has been postponed to March 14. No new date yet for the House Appropriations
Tuesday, 5 March 2013
ALJ Register Open
Posted on 07:25 by Unknown
The federal Office of Personnel Management (OPM) is now taking applications for the position of Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). This will only last until March 15. Everyone should understand that taking applications and hiring are two different things. Under current budget conditions, actual hiring is very uncertain. However, the notice does indicate job openings in Santa Barbara, Denver,
Threats In Poconos
Posted on 05:57 by Unknown
From The Morning Call of the Lehigh Valley in Pennsylvania:
A man on Friday threatened to make trouble at the Social Security
Administration office near East Stroudsburg if the office did not
immediately put money into his account, police said.
Joseph J.
Findley, 41, of Bushkill, Pike County, hinted the trouble would involve a
firearm, state police at Swiftwater said. He was charged
A man on Friday threatened to make trouble at the Social Security
Administration office near East Stroudsburg if the office did not
immediately put money into his account, police said.
Joseph J.
Findley, 41, of Bushkill, Pike County, hinted the trouble would involve a
firearm, state police at Swiftwater said. He was charged
Monday, 4 March 2013
Exciting And Sexy Twitter Fight Over Chained CPI
Posted on 11:15 by Unknown
Wonkette author Ann Marie Cox
From Wonkette:
This weekend we got a shining example of the utter existential futility
our president must feel every day when dealing with the nitwits in the
opposition party, in the form of the debate over tying Social Security
payments to the Chained Consumer Price Index (CCPI). “Chained” SSI is
something conservatives have long wanted because it
ACUS Draft Report
Posted on 03:00 by Unknown
From a draft report of the Administrative Conference of the United States (ACUS) (emphasis added):
In order to
promote greater
decisional consistency
and streamline the adjudication process at the ALJ [Administrative Law Judge] hearing stage, SSA
[Social Security Administration] should consider:
(a)
requiring claimants or their
representatives to submit pre-hearing briefs in a
Sunday, 3 March 2013
The Attack Begins
Posted on 07:34 by Unknown
From an Op Ed piece by Robert Ehrlich in the Baltimore Sun:
Those of you paying attention have noticed that the Obama administration is actually doing what it promised: transforming America into a gigantic welfare state. And there are plenty of takers willing to cash in on it and "get mine." Numbers don't lie. Forty percent of the population was on some form of public assistance when the
Those of you paying attention have noticed that the Obama administration is actually doing what it promised: transforming America into a gigantic welfare state. And there are plenty of takers willing to cash in on it and "get mine." Numbers don't lie. Forty percent of the population was on some form of public assistance when the
Saturday, 2 March 2013
A Thought
Posted on 07:45 by Unknown
Is it possible that President Obama is delaying nominating anyone to be Social Security Commissioner because he fears that any nomination could become embroiled in a dispute over the Chained CPI, which may be part of a settlement of the endless budget disputes? If it it ever comel up in Congress, the Chained CPI debate could be quite contentious.
Friday, 1 March 2013
Social Security Subcommittee Schedules Hearing
Posted on 05:50 by Unknown
The House Social Security Subcommittee has scheduled a hearing for March 7 at 9:00 on the Social Security disability benefits. This is a day after the House Appropriations Committee hearing on Social Security's operating budget and a day before the Social Security Advisory Board "Forum" on the disability program. I doubt that this clustering is accidental.
House Appropriations Committee Hearing Scheduled
Posted on 03:00 by Unknown
The House Committee on Appropriations has scheduled a hearing for 10:00 on March 6 on Social Security's appropriation for Fiscal Year 2014, which begins on October 1, 2013. Acting Commissioner Colvin will testify.
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