Social Security Offers Positions to 144 Administrative Law Judges

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Social Security Offers Positions to 144 Administrative Law Judges

New Hires a Key Step in Reducing Agency's Backlog of Disability Case

http://www.ssa.gov/pressoffice/pr/ALJ-hiringpr.htm

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. "