RE: SSDI

[Nancy Hays <Haysandco@aol.com>]

Dear Mr. Hanson:  Thank you for your comments regarding the added
stressors, system induced depression and financial ruination
resulting from attempting the disability application process, and
the time involved therein.   Your experience with this process is
all too common.  As a Work Incentives Specialist and Disability
Benefits Consultant, I have clients who have in the past and are
currently trapped in this same sad situation.  Thankfully, our
State (Iowa) has a trial project underway, which is to shorten the
time involved for applicants,  and reduce the redundant layers of
appeals processes, and provide a face to face meeting with the
examiner near the end of the application process (should additional
information be needed).  Hopefully this new process (if implemented)
will also provide some uniformity in the decision making process
and better adhearance to the "listed levels of impairments" and
recognition of "combinations of impairments equal to the listing."
We will hope and encourage the Social Security Administration and
our lawmakers to resolve the long standing problems in this area.
We will also hope that your comments, and the comments of others
will  be help draw attention to this situation.

Thank you.