As we reported Monday, there is much debate nationally about Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) funding and how politicians should act. Keep in mind, much of the debate stems from ideas about how to fix the current system, as funds could run out in 2016, potentially resulting in a 20 percent payment cut to beneficiaries.
Recently, House Republicans approved a rule making it difficult to reallocate money between SSDI and the Old Age and Survivors Insurance program, which had been done 11 times previously to alleviate funding concerns.
As the political squabble continues in Washington, TIME had an interesting story recently saying that defending Social Security needs to be the next item on President Obama’s “to-do list.”
“[The] new Republican-controlled Congress has handed him another opportunity to act boldly—by leaving a legacy as a strong defender of Social Security,” TIME reported.
The news outlet reported that GOP House members are hoping that they will not have to explain a vote for Social Security cuts to constituents before the elections next year, and would rather do it in a lame duck session following the 2016 elections.
TIME argued that Obama should use his power to propose Social Security legislation. The news outlet said the President should urge congressional candidates to run on expansion over the next year, as the majority of citizens said the country should consider increasing benefits.
TIME reported that a poll conducted by the National Academy of Social Insurance last year found that 72 percent of Americans think we should consider increasing Social Security benefits, while 77 percent of people said they would be willing to pay higher taxes to finance expansion.
Should I Speak to an Attorney About Social Security Disability?
Are you disabled? Do not let this politicking dissuade you from applying for benefits. Keep in mind, a person can only collect Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits if he or she cannot work, and you must have accumulated work credits, paid into the system, before you are allowed to receive payments.
For more information about the SSDI process, speak with our attorneys. We will continue to keep you updated about any Social Security funding issues that could affect you moving forward.
Troutman & Troutman, P.C. – Tulsa Social Security disability lawyers
Troutman Touts: An NASI poll recently found that 69 percent of Republicans would be willing to pay higher taxes to finance Social Security expansion.
Source: http://time.com/money/3660116/social-security-disability-obama-congress-defending/