CBS News recently reported several facts about the Social Security Administration (SSA) in a piece titled Why Social Security is Critical to Our Future, undermining the importance of Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits.
The facts came from an SSA document, which contains 43 statistics about Social Security. Among the most noteworthy stats:
- Social Security has contributed significantly to reducing poverty.
- Social Security provides extensive coverage for much of our society. In 2011, 87 percent of married couples and 85 percent of non-married persons aged 65 and older received Social Security benefits.
- More than 56 million beneficiaries are currently receiving Social Security benefits. Sixty-five percent of these beneficiaries are retired workers, 15 percent are disabled workers and the remaining 20 percent are survivors or spouses and children of retired or disabled workers.
According to CBS News, “while Social Security benefits may be modest, they’re critical to the financial security of our elderly population.”
We think it is important for news outlets to accurately report SSA statistics. In order to obtain SSDI benefits, a person may be required to schedule a consultative examination with a doctor. Only in cases of severe disabilities are benefits awarded after an initial application—social security benefits are not “entitlements”.
If you have questions about an application for disability benefits, 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 lawyers
Troutman Touts: About 1 in 5 male SSDI beneficiaries and 1 in 7 female beneficiaries die within 5 years of receiving benefits.
