The fallout from NPR’s story entitled “Unfit for Work: The Startling Rise of Disability in America” continues, as the Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD) issued a press release this month claiming that the story failed “to tell the whole story and perpetuates dangerous myths about the Social Security disability programs and the people they help.”
We have reported about many of the statistics quoted in the CCD release in previous blog posts. According to the CCD’s release, NPR failed to report that Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) helps 14 million children and adults with disabilities.
The CCD also denies arguments that parents are using children to collect SSI benefits. In its release, the CCD said:
“Doing poorly in school is not a basis for SSI eligibility. A child must have a medically documented impairment that results in ‘marked and severe functional limitations’ in order to qualify. Poor performance in school may be an indicator of a learning disorder or other mental impairment, but on its own is not sufficient to qualify a child for SSI.”
To view the CCD release, you can click here. The NPR piece ignited discussion in the media about the future of the disability benefits program. While we appreciate an honest discussion about SSI and SSDI, any conversation needs to be a fair and balanced one.
In order to qualify for SSDI benefits, the Social Security Administration (SSA) requires applicants to show that they cannot do work because of their medical conditions. For more information, we suggest you visit our FAQ page.
If you have questions about disability benefits or the appeals process, do not hesitate to contact our Tulsa Social Security disability lawyers for a free evaluation of your case. You may also reach us by phone at (918) 265-1404.
Troutman & Troutman, P.C. – Tulsa Social Security disability attorneys
Troutman Touts: SSDI applicants have to show that their disabilities have lasted for longer than a year or could result in death.
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