Every Texas Social Security disability attorney knows that the official job definitions that the SSA goes by in the Dictionary of Occupational Titles (DOT) are old and out of date. The organization has even been getting advice from an independent panel to help out with job data since 2008 while they work on creating a new Occupational Information System (OIS), but recently the SSA decided not to renew the panel’s charter and will be working alone again.
Why is the SSA so worried about updating this system now? Simple. Because they want to save money, and changing the definitions in a way that’s favorable to the SSA could make it harder for people to prove that they have disabilities that prevent them from working and making a living.
The SSA Faces Criticism
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Many people have blasted the way the SSA is going about this change. As a Social Security disability attorney, I think the changes could hurt people who truly need help. Even the outside panel used by the SSA basically told them to watch out or they might get sued.
In their final report before ending their work with the SSA, the panel sent that warning to the organization and offered advice. In order to avoid being sued, the panel suggested that the SSA:
- Make sure that the process is transparent
- Publicize program activity reports from the SSA Office of Vocational Resources Development
- Announce all future plans and findings from development and data collection efforts
- Promote a venue for public comment
- Engage and involve stakeholders and the scientific community to review research and development activities
By doing these things, the SSA would ensure that people have a voice in Texas Social Security disability now and into the future. Learn more by downloading the eBook Social Security Disability Puzzle.
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