Living with a disability can be challenging. However, residents in Florida and other states can get help through government programs established by the Social Security Administration. Today, many Americans rely on these funds to meet their basic needs and overcome the challenges presented by a disability caused by injuries, illnesses and mental conditions. Nonetheless, current and future applicants for disability benefits might worry about their ability to get these necessary benefits, as the current presidential administration seeks to make major cuts to the SSD program.
It has been well known that the funds available for SSD programs would eventually drain; however, changes and adjustments have been made in recent years to extend its longevity and even help the program thrive. Despite these actions taken during the previous administration, the current one intends to make major cuts in the 2018 budget.
According to recent reports, these cuts for the next fiscal year are among the $1.74 trillion in social welfare cuts that have been proposed. This could essentially kick people off the program regardless of their status and need for SSDI and SSI. Although disability insurance is designed to benefit American workers if they suffer a disability related to an injury or illness, these cuts could limit the ability of this program to help Americans.
Currently, around 9 million Americans depend on SSDI benefits. Receiving these benefits only allows recipients to hover right above the poverty line, which often means that additional assistance will be sought.
SSI is designed to provide a basic standard of living for seniors and low-income children and adults with disabilities that meet that standard of eligibility. One goal of the cut is to test the administration’s new approaches to increase labor participation in the nation.
While these cuts could impact those relying on SSD benefits or those seeking to apply for these benefits in the future, it is important to understand the rights afforded to those living with disabilities. Applicants still have the right to seek these benefits and even appeal decisions denying them access.
Source: CBSnews.com, “The cuts to a major disability program in Trump’s budget,” Jacqueline Alemany, June 1, 2017