Social Security Increase in Initial Approvals

Posted on April 1, 2009 by Dory Sutker

Social Security - INCREASE IN INITIAL APPROVALS

Lately, I have received more than the usual paltry amount of quick approvals at the lower levels and wondered why. I found my answer in a January 29, 2009 press release issued by SSA and informing us that SSA’s computer modeling program has increased the number of applicants receiving expedited approvals for social security disability benefits. Two processes are in place: the Quick Disability Determination (QDD) and Compassionate Allowances. According to SSA, the Administration is now expediting approximately 4% of all disability cases; an increase from the 2.7% of cases fast-tracked in 2007. This translates to an increase of 100,00-125,000 persons being approved in about 10 days instead of waiting three to four months or longer.

How do these programs work? Well, under QDD, a computer program analyzes certain data to identify cases where there is a high probability that the claimant is disabled and where SSA can quickly obtain evidence to document the allegations. Under the Compassionate Allowance program, SSA accelerates the processing of claims for claimant with medical conditions so severe that their conditions, by definition, meet SSA’s criteria for disability.

Are these programs perfect? No, unfortunately not. Just a few days ago, I got a telephone call from a woman on dialysis stating that she has been waiting over six months for her decision at the initial stage. Since this is a case of presumptive disability, one wonders why her claim is taking so long, especially in light of these new programs.

The expansion of the QDD and Compassionate Allowances programs is welcomed but, in my opinion, it is way overdue. Nonetheless, as the old saying goes, “better late than never”. Let us hope that SSA will continue to tweak the programs so that they can be expanded to encompass a greater percentage of cases.

 

To learn more about social security disability issues, please read our social security FAQ page.  To learn more about our social security disability lawyers, please read about Dory Sutker, or Suja Varghese, or contact Greenberg and Bederman.
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Social Security Disability Law Seminars

Posted on November 3, 2008 by Dory Sutker

For years I have been attending social security disability law seminars. And for years I have sat through some really lackluster presentations by social security administration officials. Typically, they drone on about their latest initiative. Usually, the initiative sounds doomed from the start. But, this time, things were different. There are some exciting changes on the horizon. By the middle of next year, the Social Security Administration should have their "electronic records express" (ERE) up and running. With this program, representatives will be able to view folders electronically through a secure website. The delay, according to SSA, is ensuring claimant’s privacy.

This may not sound like big news to you but to representatives, this is huge. Having access to a social security’s file at our fingertips, will be enormously helpful. We can check to see what evidence has been obtained. We can look to see what the consultative examiners found during their evaluation. In an instant, we can read what the state agency reviewer opined.

There are other new processes in the works including "eScheduling" and "ePulling".The former envisions automated scheduling of hearings and the latter involves the development of software to organize the evidence in coherent fashion.

All the new proposed procedures have the goal of increasing efficiency in disability process. Keep your fingers crossed that ERE is up and running on schedule and that it works relatively free of glitches.

 

To learn more about social security law, please read social security frequently asked questions on our website.  To learn more about our social security lawyers, please read about our firm and read about Dory Sutker or Suja Varghese.

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