Reuters recently ran a column by Mark Miller, which discussed Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), titled Disability is the other Social Security Fight We Need to Have Now. The column focused on SSDI funding, which is expected to deplete in 2016.
Miller went into detail about how legislators have solutions to alleviate cuts to benefits. “All Congress needs to do is reallocate a small portion of payroll tax revenues from the retirement to the disability program,” Miller said. “Reallocations have been done at least six times in the past- most recently in 1994 – with funds moving in both directions. These reallocations have not been controversial, and this time around, a shift of just 1/10th of 1 percent would equalize the long-range outlook of the two trust funds, according to Stephen Goss, the Social Security Administration’s chief actuary.”
Miller said that a shift in politics has lawmakers “headed toward another dangerous game of chicken over the debt ceiling, and Republicans likely will try to insist on entitlement program cuts as part of a deal.” This could mean arguments over what some politicians consider “entitlement” programs.
As we have told you before, SSDI is not an entitlement program—it is a social safety net. Only in cases of severe disabilities are benefits awarded after an initial application.
Both SSDI and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) have contributed to reducing poverty levels in America. In order to qualify for SSDI benefits, a person must have earned work credits and have a consultative examination with a doctor. If you have questions about 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
