Disability Backlog Attacked

Head Commissioner of SSA, Michael Astrue, claims that the backlog of disability cases has been addressed this year.  This backlog has apparently been addressed through overtime work by Social Security staffpeople.  A final rule has been issued for the new “quick disability determination (QDD)” process where electronic evidence can be quickly accessed and used to support a disability finding.  It has been tested in the New England region where 3% of cases have been approved through this new system, and have been processed in an impressive 11 days!  Lets hope that this system is replicated throughout the rest of the country so that Utah applicants can take advantage of this new system as well.  The full press release can be accessed at http://www.ssa.gov/pressoffice/pr/disability-backlog-pr.pdf.