Press Office function to ensure a unified and consistent message to SSA’s many publics. Provides guidance and direction from a PI/PA standpoint to the development of Agency policies and decisions and assesses their potential impact on SSA’s customers, stakeholders and employees. Creates, develops, facilitates, implements, oversees and evaluates all SSA communications and PI/PA activities, both internal and external. Cultivates and maintains effective working relationships with a wide range of national organizations, advocacy groups, other Federal agencies, State and local governments, the White House, and the media. Promotes full and open participation in the communications process between and among SSA’s customers and stakeholders at all levels. Coordinates the non-English communications activities within SSA. Additionally, responds to high priority correspondence and public inquiries; maintains an evaluation program that measures efforts to meet the communications needs of SSA’s customers, stakeholders and employees; produces PI/PA material designed to provide SSA’s various audiences with timely information about Social Security programs, protections, rights and responsibilities and related issues; utilizes state-of-the-art media, methods and technology in product development and dissemination and fully supports headquarters and field employees who are directly or indirectly involved in SSA PI/PA activities nationwide.

The Office of the Deputy Commissioner for Disability Adjudication and Review (DCDAR) administers the nationwide Disability Adjudication and Review program for SSA. Provides the basic mechanisms through which individuals and organizations dissatisfied with determinations affecting their rights to and amounts of benefits or their participation in programs under the Social Security Act may administratively appeal these determinations in accordance with the requirements of the Administrative Procedure and Social Security Acts. DCDAR includes a nationwide field organization staffed with Administrative Law Judges (ALJs) who conduct impartial hearings and make decisions on appeals filed by claimants, their representatives, providers-of-service institutions and others under the Social Security Act. The Appeals Council of DCDAR impartially reviews ALJ decisions, either on the Appeals Council’s own motion or at the request of the claimant, and renders the Commissioner’s final decision when review is taken. Reviews new court cases to determine whether the case should be defended on the record or the Commissioner should seek voluntary remand, and reviews final court decisions in light of the programmatic and administrative implications involved and makes recommendations as to whether appeal should be sought. Provides advice and recommendations on Social Security Administration program policy and related matters, including proposed Social Security Rulings.