As we reported last week, unless Congress does something soon to help with Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) funding, the program may run out of money by 2016.
Sadly, GOP House members recently approved a controversial reform for the disability program, adding a parliamentary rule presenting obstacles to reallocate money between SSDI and the Old Age and Survivors Insurance program.
Unless changes are made soon, people receiving SSDI could see at least a 20 percent cut in payments starting next year. Because of the measure, Democratic leaders have been pushing back, according to the Hill.
“We are deeply concerned that the rule change in the House will impact millions of Social Security beneficiaries,” Democratic leaders wrote in a letter sent to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), according to the Hill.
The letter hopes that the Senate leader will change the rules approved by the House Republicans.
“House Republicans acted according to their extreme ideology and put these benefits at risk by adopting a legislative rule change that creates a point of order against simple bipartisan technical corrections,” the letter read, noting that Congress has reallocated taxes between the Social Security retirement and trust funds 11 times in the past.
We will keep you updated about funding discussions moving forward. There is going to be a lot of controversy in the news, as the 114th Congress has gone into session.
How Do I Qualify for Social Security Disability Benefits?
As we have written in the past, just because there are discussions about funding issues does not mean that you should avoid applying for disability benefits. If you have questions about Social Security benefits, you should talk to our attorneys.
For more information about the SSDI process, you can visit our Social Security FAQ page. To qualify for SSDI benefits, a person suffering from a disability has to show that his or her condition will last longer than 12 months and could result in death. People who receive SSDI are truly disabled; claims that attack recipients are often debunked.
Contact us today if you have questions about SSDI. If you cannot work because of a disability, you need to have some form of income that helps you survive.
Troutman & Troutman, P.C. – Tulsa Social Security Disability attorneys
Source: http://thehill.com/homenews/senate/229199-dems-warn-of-social-security-cuts
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