SSR 13-1p and the Hearings Appeals and Litigation Law manual (HALLEX) contain information about
how SSA addresses complaints of ALJ bias and misconduct. See HALLEX I-3-2-25 for complaints received by the AC and HALLEX I-1-8-7, HALLEX I-1-8-10, and HALLEX I-1-8-13 for complaints received by the DQS, OHO RO, or the NSD Central Office.
The DQS or their designee will review complaints by auditing the relevant hearing
recording (s), if available, and reviewing the hearing decision and any other relevant
documentation. If the DQS concludes that an investigation is unnecessary, it will
close out the complaint.
If the DQS determines that an investigation is warranted, they will forward the complaint
to the appropriate OHO RO or to the NSD Central Office.
The OHO RO's or NSD's investigation may also include auditing the hearing recording,
examining the hearing decision, and any other relevant documentation, and contacting
witnesses who have information related to the complaint. When the investigation is
completed, the OHO RO or NSD Central Office will prepare a report for the DQS that
contains findings and will, if warranted, recommend appropriate action regarding the
ALJ.