Disability-Terminator Terminates people NOT on his Payroll

[Guest guest]

SOCIAL SECURITY

News Release

Commissioner Astrue Asks Inspector General to Investigate California and Hawaii

Disability Determination Services

J. Astrue, Commissioner of Social Security, today asked the agency’s

Inspector General to investigate allegations that the states of California and

Hawaii have recently implemented practices that deny applicants the right to

receive full consideration of their Social Security disability claims.   

In a memo to P. O’Carroll, Inspector General, Social Security

Administration, Commissioner Astrue writes, “As you know, Gov. Schwarzenegger

has insisted on furloughing California Disability Determination Service (DDS)

employees, despite the fact that we fully fund both their salaries and

overhead.  According to Congressman Filner, the State is attempting to

find ways to improperly circumvent the effects of the furlough at the expense of

some of the State residents who are in the greatest need.â€

At a hearing before the House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Social Security

yesterday, Congressman Filner (D-CA) testified that the California DDS is

denying the claims of disability applicants who fail to return a 25-page report

within 20 days – a practice which has been adopted since the institution of

furloughs.  He reported that one office had closed 30 percent of its cases due

to the applicants’ failure to return the completed form within 20 days.  In

addition, he testified the California DDS may be manipulating its service

numbers by assigning claims to fictional examiners or supervisors.  According

to the Congressman, this scheme would allow the DDS to hide the fact these cases

are not actually being reviewed.

“I am concerned about the State of Hawaii DDS, which is furloughing its DDS

employees for as many days as California, and which has made statements about

new business efficiencies that closely track statements made by California

officials,†Commissioner Astrue writes to the Inspector General. 

“Accordingly, I ask that you also review that agency to ensure they are also

fully adhering to all SSA rules and policies.â€

[Guest guest]

Delaware is also being investigated. One judge rejects most cases that come his

way. In the state I believe it is over 40% are denied. I will try to find that

article. Not sure on the exact percentage but it could even be higher.

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