Bill Aims to Save Social Security Disability Benefits

Millions of Americans depend on Social Security benefits as their main source of income. Retired workers account for roughly 41.4 million recipients, while approximately 11 million Americans receive Social Security Disability benefits. With so many citizens dependent on the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) programs, the system’s failure to sustain itself financially is a serious threat to the stability of a large portion of households in the U.S.

In order to address the threat of funding for Social Security Disability benefits running dry within the next two years, legislators have drafted a bill that could help protect the SSA’s disability plan from financial ruin. According to an article from Insurance News Net, the bill would:

• Update the systems classifications for those with temporary disabilities
• Require those who are classified as permanently disabled to continue having their status and condition reviewed.
• Reform the disability hearing process
• Create ways to direct resources to those who are at a high risk of needing benefits.
• Do away with “substantial gainful activity” earnings limits to encourage disability recipients to return to work when possible without the threat of losing benefits.

The bill will be examined and reviewed during future legislative sessions.

At Fleschner, Stark, Tanoos & Newlin, we understand the importance of preserving our nation’s Social Security Disability benefits program. That’s why our team of Social Security Disability lawyers is hopeful that—if approved—the bill will be successful in creating the funding the program needs.