How to Learn the Identity of Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) Assigned to a Social Security Hearing
February 18, 2013
Last year the Social Security Administration (“SSA”) decided to stop making known in advance the identity of the Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) assigned to hear a case. Read about why Herndon Virginia Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) lawyer Doug Landau called the move “Cowardice in Court”.
In welcome news for anyone awaiting a hearing, it seems that SSA has had a change of heart. The name of the assigned ALJ will now be provided when it is requested through the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). The procedure for filing an FOIA request can be found on the SSA site. Click on “Make a FOIA Request”. You will be directed to a website describing the methods to make a FOIA request. The easiest method is to use the “eForm,” a secure online site that lets you put your request in a description box and provide contact information. [Look for the link to the eForm under “Other Online FOIA Requests”.]
Herndon Virginia Social Security lawyer Doug Landau notes, “there will still be delay in learning the identity of the ALJ. But… ‘better late than never.’ Hopefully, the SSA’s procedures will continue to evolve so that the Federal Judges can receive evidence and communicate with counsel for the disabled taxpayers.”
If you or someone you know has been injured or disabled and there are questions as to what laws apply and what benefits you may be entitled to, email or call Abrams Landau at once (703-796-9555).