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SSA & THE COMPUTER AGE

Although Social Security is trying to use computer technology to increase efficiency, they have a ways to go.  One example comes from one of our clients.  She called the local Social Security field office to sign up for direct deposit.  The field office told her that she is not eligible to receive any payments, so there's no need for direct deposit.  Actually, the claimant had received a fully favorable hearing decision about 3 weeks ago.

The problem is that ODAR, the hearing office, operates on a totally different computer system than the Social Security field office. Therefore, one can't see what the other is doing.  The field office doesn't know that you've been awarded benefits at a hearing until the hearing office sends the file to the field office.  So, in cases involving appeal, the Social Security office is the last one to find out that you have been awarded benefits.

In Title II cases, this usually does not hold up payment to the claimant.  Payments are processed at special payment processing centers, not in the local Social Security field offices.  However, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) cases are different.  SSI claims are paid by the local field offices.

If you have received a favorable Notice of Decision more than 60 days ago and have not received payment from Social Security, you should contact your representative.  If you are not represented, you should call Social Security.  If you filed a Title II claim (based on your own work record) you may call 800-772-1213.  If you filed an SSI claim, call the Social Security office nearest to your home.

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