SOCIAL SECURITY
News Release
Social Security Offers Positions to 144 Administrative Law Judges
New Hires a Key Step in Reducing Agency’s Backlog of Disability Cases
Michael J. Astrue, Commissioner of Social Security, today announced
that the agency has begun making offers to 144 of the 175 new Administrative
Law Judges (ALJs) it will hire this fiscal year. Due to litigation
and budget cuts, the agency has about ten percent fewer ALJs than
it did a decade ago. During that same time, the number of
cases waiting for a hearing decision has more than doubled.
“The hiring of these new ALJs is a critical step in our
plan to reduce the backlog of disability cases,” Commissioner
Astrue said. “They represent one of the largest investments
in ALJs this agency has ever made. When these ALJs are fully-trained,
and combined with the other steps we are taking, we will be able
for the first time in this decade to reduce the number of cases
waiting for a disability hearing. I can hardly wait for them
to start.”
The new ALJs will be brought on board in phases with the first
hires reporting for duty in April, when they will begin an intensive
orientation and training program. While initially handling
a reduced docket, newly hired ALJs should be scheduling a full
docket of cases by the end of the year.
“I have been very impressed with the caliber of the candidates
eager to take on the challenging role of a Social Security ALJ,” Commissioner
Astrue noted. “These new ALJs are top-notch legally
and comfortable working in an electronic environment, which is
of utmost importance as we strive to increase the efficiency and
productivity of our ALJ corps.”
Hiring of additional ALJs is only one component of the plan the
agency has put in place to reduce the backlog of disability cases. The
agency also continues to make progress in many other areas including
opening the National Hearing Center, completing the nationwide
roll-out of the Quick Disability Determination process, implementing
compassionate allowances and eliminating aged cases. More
information about Social Security’s plan is available at www.socialsecurity.gov/disability under
the heading What’s New.
“In May of last year, I presented Congress with a detailed
plan to reduce the backlog of disability cases,” Commissioner
Astrue said. “I am pleased to report that, with the
strong support of the President and Members of Congress from both
parties, we have been able to move forward with that plan. I
urge Congress to continue its support with timely action on the
President’s fiscal year 2009 budget request for Social Security. A
delay in fully funding the President’s request will undermine
the many positive steps we have taken this year.”
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