WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Daniel K. Akaka (D-Hawaii) and George V. Voinovich (R-Ohio) will hold a field hearing Monday, November 15 in Akron to examine administrative challenges and improve Social Security Disability Insurance claim processing in Ohio.
The Social Security Administration had a backlog of approximately 842,000 initial disability claims at the end of Fiscal Year 2010. Widespread delays continue due to a variety of demographic, economic, administrative, and public policy factors. These challenges continue to be particularly acute in Ohio. Claims processing times average over a year nationally and they are significantly higher in Ohio, averaging 479 days statewide and 557 days in Columbus. This hearing will update the Subcommittee on initiatives to improve case processing of both initial disability claims and appeals in Ohio.
Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, Subcommittee on Oversight of Government Management, the Federal Workforce and the District of Columbia.
Monday, November 15, 2010 at 9:00 a.m.,
3rd Floor Conference Room at the Main Place Building, 121 S. Main Street, Akron, Ohio 44308
Senator Daniel K. Akaka, Chairman
Senator George V. Voinovich, Ranking Member
WITNESSES:
Hon. Michael Astrue, Commissioner, Social Security Administration
Hon. Patrick P. O’Carroll, Jr., Inspector General, Social Security Administration
Mr. Richard Warsinskey, Cleveland Downtown District Office Manager and Past President, National Council of Social Security Management Associations
Mr. Randy Frye, President, Association of Administrative Law Judges