Social Security Disability Benefits Cuts for Thousands

Many people are unable to work and rely on their Social Security Disability benefits to pay the bills. These monthly payments are a godsend to those who are disabled and need income. However, some changes are coming that may threaten these much-needed benefits.

President Donald Trump is making changes to the program. As a result, thousands of recipients could see their benefits come to an end. That’s because the changes could require more frequent “continuing disability reviews.” It may take years to assess these reviews, resulting in wrongly denied claims.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) sees it differently, though. The agency, like most government entities, has been plagued by fraud in recent years. By requiring these reviews, the SSA expects to see a decrease in fraud and an increase in integrity. Only the people who qualify for benefits will be able to receive them.

It is not yet known exactly how many people will be affected by these new laws. More than 16 million Americans currently receive Social Security Disability benefits. If the laws go into effect, the SSA will likely conduct more than 4 million continuing disability reviews over the next decade. The reviews would be costly, adding $1.6 billion in administrative costs. However, many people are expected to be cut from the program, resulting in $2.8 billion in savings. Based on these figures, it is estimated that possibly tens of thousands of people will lose their benefits each year.

What is a Continuing Eligibility Review?

A continuing eligibility review determines whether or not a person can continue to receive benefits. The reviews require a lot of paperwork. Recipients must submit medical records, as well as documentation of income, assets and living arrangements. SSA staff will then do a review and decide if the person still qualifies for Social Security Disability benefits.

Continuing eligibility reviews are done on a regular basis. How often they are done depends on the category that the SSA has placed them in. Those with conditions that are expected to improve are in a category called “medical improvement expected.” They are reviewed every 6-18 months. Those who suffer from debilitating or terminal conditions are in a “medical improvement not expected” category. They must go through a review every 5-7 years. Those in the “medical improvement possible” category must go through a review every three years. A fourth category is in the work. Those in the “medical improvement likely” category will be reviewed every two years.

Learn More About Social Security Disability Benefits 

If you’re unable to work, you likely depend on your disability benefits. If your benefits were to suddenly end, you would likely be unable to pay your bills. You may lose your home, car and other assets and maybe even file for bankruptcy.

If you receive Social Security Disability benefits, make sure you take the steps to keep them. New laws go into effect every year. Hold onto your benefits with help from White Plains Social Security disability lawyer Michael Lawrence Varon. Schedule a free consultation by calling 914-294-2145.

Resource:

tennessean.com/story/news/2019/12/27/social-security-disability-benefits-program-change-questions-answers/2756301001/

https://www.nycompensationlaw.com/workers-compensation-win-for-firefighter-could-set-precedent/