If you have been following our blog, you are probably aware that there is an ongoing debate nationally about how to alleviate Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) funding concerns.
The SSDI program will run out of funds by the end of 2016, unless Congress does something to address money issues. This could result in a nearly 20 percent cut to payments at the end of next year for beneficiaries.
We cannot overstate how damaging cuts would be for the economy and for the more than 9 million SSDI recipients, who already live modestly. Last year, NBC News had an excellent report about how many Americans receiving SSDI rely on the program to clothe and shelter their families.
One woman, Erica Choy of San Francisco, told the news outlet that she takes care of her four children on about $2,100 a month, through a combination of SSDI and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). “We don’t have enough to pay the [electric] bills,” Choy said.
She also said that although three of her kids needed braces prior to the interview, she had to pick just one due to budgeting. “It’s like, who do you choose … and trying to tell your children it’s not because you love one more than the other,” Choy said.
As we have mentioned in previous blogs, SSDI provides an average monthly benefit of a little more than $1,100. That is not much money, so a cut would be a catastrophic blow for many recipients. Because of this, we hope that over the next year, our elected officials can come together to address funding issues facing the program.
Let Our Tulsa Attorneys Help You With Your SSDI Claim
While there is concern about SSDI funding going forward, it should not prevent you from applying for benefits if you are unable to work due to disabilities. Talk to our Tulsa disability attorneys about your eligibility for benefits.
Remember, in order to collect SSDI, you must have a work history and earned credits. SSDI is not an entitlement program. You can reach us by calling the phone number or by using the contact form on this page.
Troutman & Troutman, P.C. – Tulsa Social Security disability attorneys
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