As we reported on Monday, Acting Social Security Administration Commissioner Carolyn W. Colvin has been chosen to lead the agency permanently. Last month, President Barack Obama announced his intent to nominate Colvin to the job.
“I am grateful for Carolyn’s past service in various roles at the Social Security Administration, and I am confident that she will serve the American people well in her new role. I look forward to working with her in the months and years to come,” Obama said.
Colvin has served as Deputy Commissioner of Social Security for the Social Security Administration (SSA), a position she has held since January 2011. She has also served as the Acting Commissioner of Social Security since February 2013, when Michael J. Astrue stepped down.
Colvin began working for the SSA in 1994. She left the agency for a few years, when she served as an executive with various federal and state agencies. She has a B.A. and an M.B.A. from Morgan State University.
Last week, the Baltimore Sun reported that Colvin would face budgeting questions during her confirmation hearing, which is likely to take place later this year.
“She’s going to be asked about a lot of hot-button issues she’ll have to respond to,” Max Richtman, president of the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare said, according to the Sun. “But she knows the Social Security program inside out and I think she’ll handle all of those questions really well.”
How Can Social Security Disability Benefits Help Me?
Colvin will have a very important role within the federal government. According to the SSA, more than 10.1 million people were paid Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits in 2012, and the number continues to rise. Along with the Supplemental Security Income (SSI), millions of Americans will be receiving some type of benefit through the SSA this year.
If you think you may be eligible for SSDI, you should know that the SSA uses two different gauges by which to evaluate a person’s work history, when he or she applies for benefits. The first test is the “Duration of Work Test,” while the second test is the “Recent Work Test.” These tests take into account how long a person has worked, as well as how recently, to determine benefits.
If you have questions about an application for benefits, do not hesitate to contact our Tulsa Social Security disability lawyers for a free evaluation of your case. You may also reach us by phone at (918) 265-1404.
Troutman & Troutman, P.C. – Tulsa Social Security disability lawyers
