"For a long time, Social Security field offices were set up to handle claims on a local basis. But beginning on March 7, the SSA is shifting away from this model to a centralized system where claims are handled on a nationwide level. That's a problem, though, because field office employees tend to be more familiar with local rules and are therefore better equipped to help seniors in their jurisdiction."
"Critics are accusing the SSA of centralizing its systems to compensate for recent staffing cuts. Critics also warn that this new system could lead to backlogs in processing claims. The SSA still claims that it relies on field offices heavily. It also claims that centralizing things will lead to improved workflows and better service. But a lot of people aren't convinced."
Millions of Americans rely heavily on Social Security, including non-seniors who receive benefits. The Social Security Administration is cutting staff and shifting from locally handled field office claims to a centralized nationwide system beginning March 7. Field office employees are often more familiar with state-specific rules and better equipped to help beneficiaries within their jurisdictions. Centralization amid staffing cuts risks creating processing backlogs and reducing staff knowledge of state programs. The SSA asserts centralization will improve workflows and service and maintains reliance on field offices. Supplemental Security Income eligibility varies by state, raising concerns about lost local expertise.
Read at 24/7 Wall St.
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