SSA Considering Policy Changes To Improve The Disability Application Process

December 27, 2013

There are millions of Americans who depend on Social Security Disability Benefits as their main source of income due to the fact they are unable to work because of a mental or physical condition; however, there are thousands of others who have applied for such benefits, but are awaiting a decision on their case.

The Social Security Administration is working to address this issue though, by offering grants of $10,000 to graduate level students who wish to conduct research into how to improve the current disability application process. The program is being operated by Policy Research, Inc., and will be continued for the next three years. It will then be renewable annually.

Two studies into how to improve the system have already been approved for funding and a third will be announced soon.

Meanwhile, the agency has already announced several expected changes that will be implemented in the coming year in order to create a more efficient application process. For instance, the way applications and potential employment are assessed will each receive major overhauls, while officials will also look into better ways to examine evidence that is presented regarding an individual’s disability.

The Social Security Disability Lawyers with Fleschner, Stark, Tanoos & Newlin recognize how complex the Social Security disability system can sometimes prove to be. That’s why the firm urges anyone considering applying for such benefits to first discuss their case with a qualified attorney.