Section 853.70  Scheduling Criteria for Hearings

a)         The Disability Hearing Division will be responsible for establishing and maintaining a schedule of cases involved in the disability hearing process.

b)         The Disability Hearing Division will use the following criteria in establishing the schedule for hearings:  

1)         Hearings will be held within 30 days from receipt of the claims folder in the Disability Hearings Unit or at the earliest date possible if there is a backlog of hearings or if the claimant requests delay;

2)         The following factors will also be considered when scheduling hearing dates and times:  

A)        Number of hearing officers available,

B)        Amount of travel required,

C)        Type of case and impairment,

D)        Need for interpreter,

E)        Time required for the beneficiary, representative, if any, and the hearing officer to review the claims folder prior to the hearing, and

F)         Time required for hearing itself and preparation of the decision.

3)         The schedule will also allow for the processing of waiver of appearance cases.