Commentary: On August 2, 2016, Congressman Pearce sent a letter to Carolyn Colvin, Acting Commissioner for the Social Security Administration, requesting clarification on fourteen specific questions regarding deep concerns in the current administration the disability claims process within the Office of Disability Adjudication and Review (ODAR). They have yet to answer a single question:
“My office requested a two week turn around on these questions, not as a challenge to the Administration, but rather, every day we do not receive answers is another that people are stuck on a clearly flawed and broken system. Nothing in the government, let alone something as vital as disability income assistance, should take more than 500 days to adjudicate. Delays of this length are quite literally life and death matters for individuals nationwide. It is completely unacceptable for the Social Security Administration to withhold vital information from my office that could lead to a solution to this deplorable wait time.
“To make matters worse, my office has been assured continually detailed answers would be provided shortly. In the first instance, on August 22, 2016 (6 days past our requested deadline) our office was informed we would have answers “before the end of the week.” Three weeks later, on September 12, 2016 in response to multiple follow up requests from my office, we were told to expect “a response in the very near future.” Yet, to date, not one answer has been provided in writing. Each day without answers is another lost opportunity to help New Mexicans and Americans nationwide who are waiting years for potentially lifesaving assistance. While officials within this agency may think a 500 day waiting period is acceptable I do not, ” said Congressman Pearce.
Background:
On August 2, 2016, Congressman Pearce sent a letter to Acting Commissioner, Carolyn Colvin regarding the wait periods within the Region VI Office of Disability Adjudication Review. The Congressman asked that the Administration respond to his inquiry within a two week period to ensure both offices could work together to establish a path forward. Nearly two months past the deadline, the Congressman’s team has not received any specific answers in writing.