Social Security Administration Struggles to Modernize Attorney Access to Cases

An associate Social Security Administration (SSA) commissioner reported to a claimant’s representative group recently that the agency is seeking to expand electronic access to claimant files. Right now, attorneys can only access claimant files electronically after a request for hearing has been filed. Claimants at the initial and reconsideration stages often do not know what evidence SSA has, and attorneys cannot see why a claim was denied. A preliminary decision about electronic access is expected around March 2019.