Social Security has a variety of different offices across the country and these offices vary in functionality and responsibilities. Some offices, like the Office of Hearings Operation (OHO) focus on hearing requests before Administrative Law Judges (ALJ). The Appeals Council conducts reviews of ALJ decisions and field offices take applications for retirement and disability benefits, among many other responsibilities. Yet another type of Social Security office is the Social Security payment centers, which Social Security refers to as Program Service Centers. These offices, which currently have extremely large backlogs, are responsible for paying people who are due monthly benefits and past-due benefits. These types of office are rarely mentioned, but they play a hug factor in the day-to-day lives of millions of Americans.
What Functions Do The Program Service Centers Perform?
Program service centers act as processing centers. They make formal decisions as to entitlement on many claims for Social Security benefits, including disability benefits, hospital insurance benefits, and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits.
At the program service center, a permanent claims folder is set up for the claims material. It may be reviewed for the following:
- To see that the necessary applications and forms have been properly completed;
- To make sure all the evidence needed for the claim has been obtained;
- To ensure all requirements set by law have been met; and
- To check that all benefit amounts have been figured correctly.
How Are You Notified By The Program Service Center When It Makes A Decision On Your Claim?
If the program service center finds that you are entitled to benefits, your claim is approved and the U.S. Treasury Department is notified that payment should be made. If you are entitled to hospital or medical insurance protection, the program service center advises you of the decision and sends you a health insurance identification card. If you are not entitled to monthly benefits or to hospital or medical insurance protection, your claim is denied. The program service center prepares and mails the notice of award or denial to you. This notice shows the type and amount of benefit awarded; or explains why the claim was not approved and how you may appeal.
