More on Social Security Disability Process Changes from Commissioner Barnhart

Charles Hall posted a link on the Connect board to this newsletter from the National Council of Social Security Management Associations, Inc. (NCSSMA). According to its website, the NCSSMA represents “over 3200 members of SSA’s management team in 1346 field offices and 37 teleservice centers across the nation.”

Commissioner Barnhart spoke at the 34th annual meeting in Albuquerque in early November and the newsletter reports her comments. It’s an interesting read. An excerpt from the newsletter:

The Commissioner stated that there has been a positive reaction to her recent proposals to change the Disability process. The process of change will not be rushed, as this is a major undertaking. Optimistically we are talking about October 2005 to begin implementation. She has asked Mary Chatel, manager of the Warwick, Rhode Island field office, to coordinate this undertaking for her. (Note: Mary is a former NCSSMA National President.)

The Commissioner’s proposals are based on three questions the President personally asked her in April 2002: Why does it take so long to make a disability decision? Why can’t people who are obviously disabled get a decision immediately? Why would anyone want to go back to work after going through such a long process to receive benefits?

The Commissioner stated no one will lose their job, there will be no demotions, and no one will be forced to move because of these proposals. With e-Dib we can move cases around electronically so the work can be done where people are.

The Commissioner estimated that, based on the quick decision provisions of her proposal, 10-20% of the disability claims will be decided within 20 days. Between quick decision and elimination of the reconsideration, more resources will be available to DDS. DDS will use the extra resources to better document the record of more complicated cases. The goal is to make the right decision as early in the process as possible.

Addendum (December 13, 2003):   For background on the proposed changes to the disability process, try these links:

• Commissioner Barnhart’s Testimony Before the Subcommittee on Social Security of the House Committee on Ways and Means (July 24, 2003)
• GAO Report on Electronic Disability Claims Processing (Accelerated Strategy Faces Significant Risks)(July 24, 2003)
• GAO Letter to Honorable E. Clay Shaw, Jr. (Subcommittee Chair) re Subcommittee Questions Concerning Efforts to Automate the Disability Claims Process (September 5, 2003)
• Commissioner Barnhart’s Testimony Before the Subcommittee on Social Security of the House Committee on Ways and Means (September 25, 2003)