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Showing posts from April, 2013

SSA COMMISSIONERS RESPOND TO NPR

In an unprecedented move, the eight former commissioners of Social Security have issued an open letter denouncing misinformation and "dangerous myths" contained in recent broadcasts on National Public Radio (NPR). To my knowledge this is the first time in the history of the SSA that its former commissioners have reacted as a group to a media event. The entire letter may be read on the NOSSCR website at the link provided below.  I have quoted a very small part of the letter below. http://nosscr.org/open-letter-former-commissioners-social-security-administration Here is a brief excerpt from the Commissioners' letter: We are deeply concerned that the series “Unfit for Work” failed to tell the whole story and perpetuated dangerous myths about the Social Security disability programs and the people helped by this vital system. We fear that listeners may come away with an incorrect impression of the program— as opposed to an understanding of the program actually ...

END OF SECRET ALJ POLICY

Thankfully, Social Security announced this week that it is ending the secret judge policy.  For about the last two years, attorneys or representatives could not find out which judge they would face in disability hearings until they arrived at the hearing location.  Now, this unpopular policy is being reversed.  Starting April 22nd, 2013, Social Security says it will list the names of judges again on the Notices of Hearing and the representative services website. It is my belief that the new policy (or return to the old policy) will help us better serve our clients.