SSA Office Increases Use Of Video Teleconferencing Tools

According to FCW, the Social Security Administration is battling a backlog of disability hearings by utilizing video conferencing. The administration has tripled its use of video conferencing for adjudication hearings in recent years. The process allows the agency flexibility in managing its workload. According to a recent report, number of hearings for disability caseload increased from 23,000 in 2005 to 84,000 in 2009.

In 2010, the agency saw an even larger number of claims and hearings, especially due to a hurting economy and decreased employment opportunities for disabled workers. Likewise, the number of video teleconferencing hearings increased from about six percent to 18 percent.

Overall, the Social Security Administration has been satisfied by the use of teleconferencing services. The technology helps the program combat a nationwide backlog of cases. The SSA’s Office of Disability Adjudication and Review began using video hearings in 1999 for claims involving Social Security Disability Insurance. An Administrative Law Judge remains in their office, while claimants appear in a video conferencing room, typically in an SSA office. The full-room units are housed in fixed permanent locations serving SSA regions. If one office has a heavy workload, it can transfer some of its hearings to a remote video teleconferencing location.

Some offices use the equipment often. About 15 percent of the offices used video for 15 percent to 30 percent of the time, and 18 percent of offices used video for 30 percent to 50 percent of their time.
It is not required for an Administrative Law Judge to use the system and some judges still prefer an in-person, human connection with a claimant.

Categories

    I didn't think there was a caring professional considerate attorney firm on the planet, but Troutman & Troutman proved me wrong. From the receptionist to the legal assistance to the attorney and more they were exceptional people.

    - Robert S.

    They did a fantastic job getting everything gathered up and getting the trial done as quickly as possible. Anytime I had a question they were patient and help me understand what was going on. Especially Christy and Charlie were great.

    - Michael M.

    Steve Troutman was able to get my short-term and long-term disability for me. Then Erin another lawyer for their firm got my Social security disability for me. Great people.

    - Billy S.

    Mr. Troutman walked me through the entire process. Heather was available each time I called, answered all my crazy questions, and helped me fill out forms along the way. I was never treated like I was wasting time.

    - Julia C.

    Erin and Keith were fabulous! They were compassionate, helpful, and very responsive! They made the process very smooth and painless every step of the way.

    - Valerie W.

We Are Here to Help 

Free & Confidential Consultations
  • Please enter your first name.
  • Please enter your last name.
  • Please enter your phone number.
    This isn't a valid phone number.
  • Please enter your email address.
    This isn't a valid email address.
  • Please make a selection.
  • Please enter a message.