The Social Security Administration has announced that it is making offers to 144 of 175 new administrative law judges it plans to hire this fiscal year for a net increase of about 150.
"The hiring of these new ALJs is a critical step in our plan to reduce the backlog of disability cases," commissioner Michael Astrue, adding that, "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."
About 750,000 cases are awaiting hearings on appealed claims and the extra judges should be able to clear an additional 75,000 per year once they get up to speed.
Astrue said new hires would be brought on board in phases and begin intensive orientation and training, eventually handling a reduced docket but increasing workload until the end of the year when they should be at full capacity.
The House recently approved a $240 million increase for SSA over the President’s proposed $10.327 billion budget to help cut the backlog of continuing disability review and supplemental security income cases.
