One of the topics I address most frequently is why Social Security takes so long to process disability claims. There are a variety of reasons, including funding cuts, lack of workers, and even demographics. But some of the delay is due to the fact that Social Security is a government agency. One thing we know about governments: they do things differently.
Meet The New Boss . . .
A recent change at the hearing office provided fresh evidence of just how time and effort such government agencies as Social Security waste. Rather than take productive steps to reduce the wait time for hearings, Social Security decided to . . . change the name of the hearing office.
From OHA To OHO And All The Stops In Between
The agency that was called ODAR, or Office of Disability Adjudication and Review has been rebranded as OHO, or Office of Hearing Operations (I guess FUBAR was taken). Now, don’t you feel better? Sure, ODAR as slow and inefficient and saw people literally dying while they waited to see a judge. But this OHO operation is sleek and modern and brilliant in every way.
I have been doing this long enough to remember when ODAR was the Office of Hearings and Appeals, or OHA. So, yes, you have it right: Social Security changed OHA to ODAR only to change it again to OHO.
From OHA to OHO, and the needless bureaucracy involved, tells you a lot about what is happening at Social Security.
Social Security Is Taking Care Of Those Things That Matter The Most
So, while you wait for your hearing, wondering if you will have enough food to eat, take comfort in know that Social Security has its focus on the big issues.
Do you think changing the name of ODAR to OHO is going to make difference? Let me know your thoughts on this latest bureaucratic bungle. For some funny takes, read the comments on this blog.
