RECON PROCESSING RESUMES

The Social Security Administration (SSA) marked the beginning of Fiscal Year 2007 by ordering resumption of “normal processing” of reconsiderations in Social Security and SSI Disability cases.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) marked the beginning of Fiscal Year 2007 by ordering resumption of "normal processing" of reconsiderations in Social Security and SSI Disability cases. Normal processing of disability reconsiderations had been on hold in much of the country for the last four months because of budgetary pressures and a desire on the part of SSA to come up with more impressive results on processing of initial determinations while at the same time reducing the backlog at the Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) stage of the appeal process. See, NSCLC Social Security/SSI Informational Mailing 06-09 # 8.

However, since the Commissioner’s policy has created a considerable backlog of pending requests for reconsideration, advocates should not expect an immediate resumption of prompt determinations at the reconsideration stage in those states where the backlog is great.

There is also concern that if SSA’s appropriation is not increased, normal processing of reconsiderations might well be suspended again later in the fiscal year. In addition, the Commissioner has asserted that if nothing is done to increase the SSA funding from the levels contained in the House and Senate appropriation bills, SSA will have no choice but to close offices and furlough staff.