This year, the Social Security Administration announced the reengineering of the Social Security program. This may be one of the most significant developments affecting disability applicants in years. Reengineering is a total redesign of the disability claims process, beginning with the way applications are taken and extending through all aspects of the development and decision making process. It is intended to improve the service disability applicants receive from the Social Security Administration. While we agree that improved service is called for, advocates across the country are concerned that many of the proposed changes will actually result in a vast increase in the numbers of people denied disability benefits. (See "Reengineering: Social Security's Plan For A New Disability Claim Process")
The past year witnessed Congress' passage of the Social Security Reform Act of 1994. This legislation placed severe restrictions on the payment of benefits to people disabled by substance addictions. This marks the first time the Social Security program will single out a particular type of disability for special treatment and the first time it has placed a time limitation on the receipt of benefits by an individual who continues to be disabled. The 1994 legislation creates dangerous precedent for future revisions of the Social Security Act which may further erode the rights of disabled individuals. (See "Congress Reduces Benefits For Drug And Alcohol Addiction") We are particularly concerned about such changes in the coming year in light of the newly elected Congress' attitude toward social welfare programs. We will be watching developments closely.
The period of time it takes to establish entitlement to disability benefits continued to increase in 1994. Although the Social Security Administration has made some progress in rendering faster decisions at the initial application and first stage of appeal, a claimant who requests a hearing before a judge typically waits 12-to-16 months from the date of that request to the time of the hearing. It frequently takes over two years (and in some cases up to three years) for an individual to start receiving disability benefits. While the Office of Hearings and Appeals is making efforts to reduce the enormous backlog, it is unlikely that the waiting period experienced in 1994 will be significantly reduced.
In the past year, The Hawkins Center has responded to both the changes on the national front and those affecting us in our communities. In order to provide quality legal representation, which is our primary function, we increased our legal staff by adding a staff attorney and two legal assistants. In 1994, we represented over 350 disability claimants, the largest number we have ever been able to serve. We have also increased the range of social services we provide to our clients. (See "The Hawkins Center Support Services") We revamped our social work clinical intern program which will allow us to continue to expand services. Also, in 1994, The Hawkins Center became more involved in addressing Social Security disability policy issues, such as the Reengineering Program and restriction of benefits to people suffering from substance addictions.
In 1995, we will endeavor to continue to serve Social Security disability applicants by providing the highest quality legal services, expanded social services and new community, education and policy programs. In the face of ever increasing budget cuts, The Hawkins Center's challenge is to reach a greater number of people and enhance our clients' access to available services. We look forward to the promise of the new year. Happy Holidays.