On Monday, we discussed how the belief that Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits are easy to obtain, and that people are defrauding the system is untrue. Today, we want to address another issue we have seen portrayed inaccurately in the media, and that is the idea that benefit numbers are simply “running out of control.”
Recently, Chad Stone, a chief economist at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, had a column in U.S. News and World Report discussing SSDI’s growth. In it, Stone warned readers not to “hyperventilate” about growing numbers.
“These developments were largely anticipated and are quite manageable if policymakers don’t lose their heads over them,” Stone wrote about climbing enrollment numbers.
“[The] disability insurance rolls have grown in recent decades, but most of that reflects well-understood demographic factors that have increased the number of insured workers, especially in the crucial 50 to 64 age group where risk of disability peaks,” Stone wrote.
Stone then said that it is important for policymakers to balance payroll taxes between old age and survivors insurance and disability insurance, which have separate funds.
“[A] a temporary increase in the share of payroll taxes going to disability insurance and a corresponding cut in the share going to old age and survivors insurance that would put both on track to pay full benefits until 2033,” Stone wrote.
What Do I Need to Prove to Qualify for SSDI?
Visit our Social Security FAQ page, if you have questions about qualifying for benefits. Remember, the Social Security Administration uses a five-step evaluation to determine if a person is disabled. To qualify for benefits, you will need to show a complete disability that leaves you unable to perform work.
If you are interested in applying for SSDI or have any further questions about the process, contact us today. We can review your case to determine if you may meet eligibility requirements.
Troutman & Troutman, P.C. – Tulsa Social Security disability lawyers