Recently, Talking Points Memo reported that Democrats in the House Ways and Means subcommittee could push for a merger of the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and the Old-Age Survivors Insurance (OASI) funds.
As we reported in several blogs earlier this year, on the first day of the 114th Congress, Republicans approved a measure that blocks the transfer of tax revenues between the two funds, a move done multiple times in previous sessions to help deal with SSDI money issues.
SSDI may run out of funding in late 2016, potentially resulting in a 20 percent payment cut to beneficiaries, unless these politicians can do something to alleviate funding issues. Political experts said that Democrats are weighing the measure so that Congress can be taken out of the debate mix when it comes to arguing the merits of each program specifically.
“A bill combining the two funds would be a direct counterpunch to Republicans’ move to block transferring funds between the two programs,” Talking Points Memo reported. If the House Ways and Means subcommittee passed a bill for the merger, it would still have to be approved by the House, which is unlikely given that Republicans currently control it.
Although it is unlikely to occur, it has sparked debate. A senior economist the news source spoke to said that having “one big pot” of money might be a good idea to avoid issues moving forward. Keep reading our blog for more information about SSDI funding news.
Moving Forward With an SSDI Claim
Although there may be funding and political debates ongoing, if you are disabled, this should not dissuade you from applying for SSDI benefits. Keep in mind, in order to obtain benefits, you must have a work history and credits. This means SSDI is not an entitlement—it is a system that Americans have paid into.
If you need assistance with the SSDI application process, speak to our Tulsa disability lawyers. We are committed to providing the disabled with services when it comes to collecting SSDI benefits. Social Security law is all we do.
Troutman & Troutman, P.C. – Tulsa Social Security disability lawyers
Source: http://talkingpointsmemo.com/dc/social-security-funds-combine-democrats