Articles from prior issues of The Advocate

March/April, 1998

NADE Leadership Meets With SSA Commissioner

“LET’S TALK ABOUT DC CLAIMS.” With those words Commissioner Apfel signaled both his own in depth knowledge of the disability program as well as his intention to maximize his opportunity to listen to input from those directly involved in adjudicating disability claims.

Commissioner Apfel indicated that there has been a decline in public confidence in the disability program. His review of SSA’s implementation of the SSI childhood disability legislation and the current redeterminations are an effort to address this issue. NADE pledged to work with the Commissioner and SSA to increase public confidence in the program. At the same time NADE was able to communicate some concerns form the perspective of those who have been historically charged with carrying out the mission of SSA in this area--the employees of the state DDSs. NADE addressed such issues as the need for adequate training and specific instructions prior to the receipt of such caseloads. NADE also addressed the need for additional staff personnel in the state DDSs.

Moving on to Redesign, NADE promised to continue its support of SSA’s efforts to improve the timeliness and accuracy of disability decisions. In return, Commissioner Apfel declared his intention to begin to improve customer service and stated the time was rapidly approaching to make decisions on which projects should be implemented nationwide.

Commissioner Apfel voiced concerns regarding SSA’s “stove pipe” approach to working with and communicating with other agencies and divisions, both within and without SSA; and he expressed appreciation for NADE’s commitment to increase communication between the DDSs and SSA’s field offices as an example of what he hoped the future will hold for the disability program. Increased cooperation and communication will be necessary if we are to improve customer service. The Commissioner acknowledged that the disability program is -- and will continue to be -- a major part of the Social Security program.

NADE and Commissioner Apfel briefly discussed other issues including RDS (Reengineered Disability Systems) and the need for increased cost efficiency in the administration of the program. NADE pledged its support for SSA’s ongoing efforts to improve customer service.

NADE’s commitment and that of the 2000 dedicated disability professionals that comprise NADE’s membership is that we stand ready and willing to maintain and enhance public confidence in the disability program and to move the program into the 21st century. Commissioner Apfel acknowledged our support and stated that, in the many years he has been involved with government agencies, SSA is the most “can do “ organization with whom he has worked.

The historic meeting concluded with NADE expressing its appreciation to the Commissioner for his willingness to listen to the views of the disability professionals, and appreciation of a tour of the SSA Washington headquarters by Robert Nickerson, Executive Assistant to the Commissioner.