Number Of SSDI Recipients Falls In May

It seems that more and more people are receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits, but the statistics show otherwise. In May, the number of disabled workers who received these benefits fell by about 20,000, according to data from the Social Security Administration.

Roughly 7.25 million disabled workers received Social Security benefits in April. In May, that number dropped slightly to about 7.23 million. In percentage terms, there was no change, as in April and May, approximately 11% of Social Security recipients were disabled workers. Those workers received about $1,540 a month in support, on average.

It was not clear why the number of recipients of SSDI benefits fell in May. Experts say it is likely a combination of factors, mostly involving aging and death. Being moved from disability to retirement benefits is one possibility. Also, many people have likely passed away, obviously making them no longer eligible for benefits. Recipients may no longer qualify for benefits for other reasons, such as medical recovery, but that reason is probably not as likely as the other two reasons.

Conversion to the retirement program is a likely scenario as people reach full retirement age. Another thing to consider is that benefits for disabled widows and disabled adult children can be terminated for various reasons, such as marriage or entitlement to a larger benefit.

For the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program, there is no conversion to another category at age 65. The recipients are still considered disabled even though medical recovery is no longer an issue after age 65. Also, there is no termination for substantial gainful activity in the SSI program.

Disabled children who receive SSI benefits are subject to a redetermination at the age of 18 to see if they meet adult disability standards. Roughly 30% of children are terminated at the age of 18 for not meeting the adult standards.

The SSA has tough standards for receiving disability. Millions of people apply for SSDI every year, but very few actually qualify. To meet the SSA’s definition of disability, a person must not be able to engage in any substantial gainful activity (SGA) due to a physical or mental disability that is either expected to last at least 12 months or result in death.

If you are self-employed and not blind, determining your work activity for SGA purposes is a little more complex. The SSA will evaluate your work using countable income or three tests.

Learn More About Social Security Disability Benefits

Recipients may be removed from the SSDI program for a variety of reasons. If you are not sure why your benefits ended, you will likely need a lawyer on your side to get details about your case and figure out how to move forward.

Seek legal help from a White Plains Social Security Disability lawyer from The Law Office of Michael Lawrence Varon. We can assess your case and help you obtain the benefits you deserve. Call (914) 228-1770 or fill out the online form to schedule a consultation.

Source:

newsweek.com/disabled-workers-removed-social-security-1913067