A federal judge has approved a $10 million settlement for a lawsuit filed by a group of disabled workers against the Social Security Administration (SSA).
According to the Baltimore Sun, a deaf employee who alleged that the SSA discriminated against workers with disabilities by denying or limiting access to promotions filed the lawsuit.
Frankly, it is unbelievable that the SSA, which determines eligibility for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits, would experience issues with disability discrimination. In addition to the money involved in the settlement, the agreement calls for improvements to employee policies within the SSA.
The settlement is expected to cover at least 500 current or former employees with disabilities who applied for promotions, made a government “best qualified” list, but were passed over for positions. The disabilities suffered by the workers include deafness, blindness, missing extremities, partial or complete paralysis, epilepsy and intellectual or psychiatric disabilities.
“The resolution of this long-standing dispute reaffirms our steadfast commitment to a talented, diverse workforce,” said acting Social Security Commissioner Carolyn Colvin in a statement, according to the Sun.
Qualifying for Social Security Payments
Sadly, many people who are disabled cannot work. In many cases, these people face discrimination in public because of their disabilities.
Remember, to qualify for SSDI, the SSA requires applicants to show that they are unable to work. Beyond just having difficulty finding employment, a person must prove that his or her impairments keep him or her from doing work that exists in significant numbers. Additionally, a person must show that his or her disabilities have lasted for longer than a year or could result in death.
If you are interested in receiving SSDI, contact our Tulsa Social Security disability attorneys today. We offer free evaluations of your case.
Troutman & Troutman, P.C. – Tulsa Social Security disability attorneys
