Section 853.120  Interpreters

a)         A beneficiary may request an interpreter or the Disability Hearing Division will determine the need for an interpreter through contact with the beneficiary, the beneficiary's representative or the SSA district office.  An interpreter will be used in those situations where the beneficiary is hearing impaired or does not speak English well enough to communicate and understand the issues of the hearing.

b)         Interpreters must be able to translate technical medical technology and concepts.

c)         The beneficiary can provide his/her own interpreter or can request the Disability Hearing Division to provide an interpreter.

d)         If the beneficiary provides his/her own interpreter and the Supervising Hearing Officer determines that the interpreter is unqualified (e.g., a young child), the Disability Hearing Division will make arrangements to have another interpreter present.  The Disability Hearing Division will inform the beneficiary that arrangements have been made to have an interpreter at the hearing and will advise the beneficiary that although it will not be necessary to bring his/her own interpreter, he/she can do so.

e)         The Disability Hearing Division will reimburse interpreters pursuant to 89 Ill. Adm. Code 545:  Ratemaking and 44 Ill. Adm. Code 1175:  Purchasing when:  

1)         the interpreter requests payment for services,

2)         the need for an interpreter has been satisfied according to subsection (a) of this Section, and

3)         the interpreter is deemed qualified according to subsections (b) and (d) of this Section.