Recipients of Social Security disability benefits in Florida have enough to worry about in dealing with their illnesses or disabilities without having to wonder about the viability of the program itself. However, because it is a government program, there are always concerns about its funding and certain changes that might be made to it. Keeping an eye on the various issues that arise when it comes to Social Security disability is important for a claimant to be prepared for any changes.
A vast number of people who are receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) are confronted with a potential cut in their benefits of almost 20 percent in 2016. Congress has made numerous attempts to address this problem, but with no success. The Social Security Administration has recently sought assistance from the public to understand how technological improvements and other important points like education, claimant age and work history should be accounted for when determining disability. The program was enacted in the 1950s for people who were not able to work, but there has been a widespread increase in fraud and inaccurate information during the program’s more recent past.
Thirty-seven years ago, Congress added other factors to the SSDI evaluation process. These included a lack of education, lack of ability to speak English, and age. Now, 43 percent of SSDI cases have been awarded with these factors as the key to the decision. With improvements to technology, a greater number of people who could not work before might be able to do so while at home and suffering from various disabilities and conditions. Another plan to address the financial shortfall is the reallocation of taxes from other programs. Some believe that incentive programs for those who are receiving benefits can also be a useful tactic to lowering the number of people who are receiving benefits.
Although people who are seeking benefits or are already receiving benefits might not want to think about these current events, it is something they must consider. Having SSD information is an important part of maintaining benefits. Those who are seeking benefits or are already receiving benefits and need assistance with any aspect of their case should make sure to speak to an experienced attorney with a wide-ranging knowledge of all issues under current discussion by the SSA.
Source: worldmag.com, “Disabled face steep benefit cuts as federal program runs out of cash,” Julie Borg, Sept. 24, 2015
