Some Positive Statistics for the Social Security Disability Program Valid reasons have been pointed out to justify the increase in social security disability enrollment over many years and the present trend of declining enrollment.
Social security disability benefits are granted to a person, whose condition prevents him/her from working and earning a livable wage, whereas SSI (Supplemental Security Income) benefits may be available to people who are working full-time, but have a worsening condition. In the latter case, the person should file for SSI benefits when their earnings are below the earnings limit for SSD and SSI benefits. The process of evaluating disability is very stringent and the eligibility is determined on the basis of a review of the applicant’s medical history and work history. Disability lawyers can help prospective applicants determine whether they are eligible to apply on the basis of a detailed evaluation of their medical records with the assistance of medical review services. In case benefits are denied, these lawyers will also assist their clients to appeal the case. The Social Security Administration (SSA) allows 60 days to file a disability appeal but an astute lawyer will recommend that the appeal be sent in quickly to facilitate processing.
Reasons for the Earlier Growth in Enrollment and the Present Decline According to reliable sources, the number of people receiving disability benefits from the SSA declined last year for the first time since 1983. This is at a time when the Congress is caught in the dilemma of funding the program or risk cutting benefits to millions of US citizens. Over the years this program had seen overwhelming growth and faced criticism from diverse corners. From 2002 to 2012, the enrollment grew from 7.2 million to 10.9 million; that is by around 50%. Benefits paid out during that period also grew from $66 billion to $137 billion. Experts point out some valid reasons for this trend. One of the reasons is a soft economy that threw marginally disabled workers out of jobs and persuaded them to apply for disability benefits. Another reason for the increase is the aging baby boomers who were reaching an age when they were more prone to debilitating injuries.
However, now amidst controversies and funding issues, the SSA data shows that the number of beneficiaries have fallen by half a percent in 2014 to 10.9 million. At the
same time, new applications have dropped at least 14% from 2010. Improved economy along with the baby boomer generation moving into their fifties and early sixties (considered the prime disability years) and out of the disability program into the retirement program, have obviously contributed to the decline in disability applications.
Another aspect highlighted by independent auditors such as the GAO (Government Accountability Office) is that the issues may not be as severe as some critics think. According to a GAO report (2013) the SSA made overpayments to 36, 000 people in the range of $1.3 billion – about 0.4% of all beneficiaries. The majority of these overpayments were the consequence of people exceeding wage limits before their benefits started. Observers and analysts say that the reduction in enrollment is likely to continue, putting a halt to the increase in the disability program costs through 2035. After that period, enrollment may increase but only at a rate proportionate to the overall growth in population and remain stable. SSD Program a Lifesaver for Many Disabled Americans
Controversies and criticisms apart, the disability program is a life saver for many Americans who rely on it for sustenance. Now, the SSA is planning to increase its working hours at neighborhood offices across the country to deal with the aging population and disability claims. 1250 field offices will be kept open an hour later, beginning in March. This will give potential beneficiaries more time to consult with SSA staff and to file claims and appeals. Workers, retirees, widows and the disabled are all expected to benefit from the increased field office hours. The offices will stay open until 4 P.M on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays; they will continue to close at noon on Wednesdays.