Media Matters Denounces Fox News Report On SSDI

Media Matters had an interesting story last month, exposing Fox News for falsely claiming that Americans are using the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program in order to avoid working.

The website reported that Fox News’ Stuart Varney dishonestly gave out data indicating that the number of people receiving SSDI is rising because beneficiaries commit fraud in order to avoid working. However, more researchers and experts say that fraud in the program is low and that most Americans are not faking disabilities.

“Varney accused SSDI beneficiaries of committing fraud by taking the ‘disability option’ supposedly where able-bodied individuals who can’t find a job use SSDI almost as an insurance policy against no income or no job,” Media Matters reported. “As [the news outlet] has noted, the eligibility criteria for Social Security disability are stringent, with waiting periods that are typically months long, and more than half of all applicants are denied.”

Additionally, as we reported on Monday, and as Media Matters has pointed out, the rise in SSDI numbers is directly tied to the number of baby boomers reaching disability prone years and the number of women entering the workforce in recent years.

“Fraud [is not] a widespread problem in the SSDI program,” Media Matters reported. “The National Council of Disability Determination testified in Congress in 2013 that the net accuracy rate of disability determinations ‘has been 97 percent or better over the last 3 years’.”

We appreciate it when news outlets like Media Matters point out inaccuracies by the mainstream media in SSDI reporting.

How Do I Know If I Am Eligible For Disability Benefits?

When a media outlet reports about the SSDI program, it should use real statistics. For example, about 1 in 5 male SSDI beneficiaries and 1 in 7 female beneficiaries die within 5 years of receiving benefits. This shows that the overwhelming majority of people receiving disability benefits are truly disabled.

In order to qualify for SSDI, you need to have earned work credits. If you have questions about applying for SSDI benefits, contact us today. We offer free evaluations of your case.

Troutman & Troutman, P.C. – Tulsa Social Security disability lawyers

Source: http://mediamatters.org/blog/2014/05/21/fox-news-falsely-claims-americans-use-disabilit/199409

Categories

    I didn't think there was a caring professional considerate attorney firm on the planet, but Troutman & Troutman proved me wrong. From the receptionist to the legal assistance to the attorney and more they were exceptional people.

    - Robert S.

    They did a fantastic job getting everything gathered up and getting the trial done as quickly as possible. Anytime I had a question they were patient and help me understand what was going on. Especially Christy and Charlie were great.

    - Michael M.

    Steve Troutman was able to get my short-term and long-term disability for me. Then Erin another lawyer for their firm got my Social security disability for me. Great people.

    - Billy S.

    Mr. Troutman walked me through the entire process. Heather was available each time I called, answered all my crazy questions, and helped me fill out forms along the way. I was never treated like I was wasting time.

    - Julia C.

    Erin and Keith were fabulous! They were compassionate, helpful, and very responsive! They made the process very smooth and painless every step of the way.

    - Valerie W.

We Are Here to Help 

Free & Confidential Consultations
  • Please enter your first name.
  • Please enter your last name.
  • Please enter your phone number.
    This isn't a valid phone number.
  • Please enter your email address.
    This isn't a valid email address.
  • Please make a selection.
  • Please enter a message.