144 Administrative Law Judges To Begin Work on Backlogs

February 26, 2008

New Hires a Key Step in Reducing Agency’s Backlog of Disability Cases

The Social Security Administration has announced the start of work for the new 144 administrative law judges (ALJ) this April as part of the plan to reduce the backlog of disability cases. Commissioner Michael J. Astrue made the announcement as he stressed that the new ALJs were ten percent fewer this year than they were a decade ago due to litigation and budget cuts. The number of cases waiting for a hearing decision has also 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 had undergone intensive orientation and training program before sent to work, the commissioned added. While initially handling a reduced docket, the newly hired ALJs are expected to handle a full docket of cases by the end of the year.

The commissioner said he is impressed with the caliber of the candidates eager to take on the challenging role of an ALJ. “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.”

The hiring of additional ALJs is a component of the agency’s general plan to reduce the backlog while it continues to make progress in many other areas.

In other developments, the agency has also launched the opening of the National Hearing Center, completing the nationwide plan for the Quick Disability Determination process.

Commissioner Astrue has also urged Congress for full funding for social security in the 2009 budget.