Within the past months, about 20,000 disabled workers were removed from Social Security benefits. According to Social Security statistics, in April of this year, the number of disabled workers receiving Social Security benefits was 7.25 million. This number decreased slightly in May to about 7.23 million.
The percentage remained constant throughout the months, with about 11% of beneficiaries being disabled workers in both May and April. The government provides an average of $1,540 per month in aid to these workers.
Despite the large number of beneficiaries who received no Social Security benefits, the reason is still unknown. Therefore, Newsweek decided to contact the Social Security Administration (SSA) via email to know more about the potential reason behind this behavior.
Burt Williamson, a retirement specialist at PlanPrep, replied to Newsweek that the agency doesn’t know for sure, but they believe it is a combination of beneficiaries shifting from disability to retirement benefits, people passing away, and people no longer qualifying for Social Security benefits.
Table of Contents
- 1 Goodbye Benefits
- 2 Additional Changes
- 2.1 Evaluation Process
- 2.2 FAQs
- 2.3 Why were 20,000 disabled workers removed from Social Security benefits?
- 2.4 What are the four categories for disability benefit termination?
- 2.5 How does SSI differ in terms of termination?
- 2.6 What changes did SSA make to the list of acceptable career options?
- 2.7 Why focus on high-demand jobs for disability evaluation?
Goodbye Benefits
Previously, if a person fell into one of the four categories established by the agency, their disability benefits were usually terminated. These categories include death, medical recovery, work recovery, and conversion to the retirement program (i.e., reaching full retirement age). Moreover, Social Security benefits for disabled adult children and widows may be discontinued to allow them to marry or to be eligible for a higher benefit.
SSI Program Differences
Different standards may apply in determining whether Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits have been terminated. In the SSI program, blind and crippled adults remain in the disability group at age 65, even if medical recovery is no longer a concern.
There is no conversion to the older group at that time. In the SSI program, substantial gainful activity is not a reason for termination. The SSA also stated that “SSI-disabled children are subject to a redetermination at the age of 18, during which an examination is done as to whether they match adult disability standards.”
Nearly one-third of SSI children are terminated at the age of 18 for failing to satisfy adult requirements. Thus, according to Social Security, more people joined the benefit program in May; the increase appears to have come from those receiving retirement benefits. There were 72.35 million recipients of public assistance in May, up from 72.23 million in April.
4.9 million people received Supplemental Security Income last month, bringing the total number of Social Security beneficiaries to about 65 million. A total of 2.5 million people received both. In the previous month, there were 64.8 million Social Security beneficiaries and 4.92 million SSI beneficiaries, for a total of 2.5 million.
Additional Changes
The Social Security Administration will remove 114 occupations from its list of acceptable career options for individuals seeking disability benefits, including railroad telegraphers and reptile farmers. More than 7 million Americans with disabilities receive Social Security benefits, which provide critical income to workers who are chronically disabled and unable to support themselves.
Evaluation Process
The SSA determines disability benefits by considering a person’s ability to work and medical records. If a taxpayer is unable to work due to a physical or mental condition, the agency analyzes his or her age, education level, and work experience. To do this, the SSDI program uses the Dictionary of Occupational Titles list to analyze millions of cases nationwide to determine an applicant’s approval or denial.
Additionally, Social Security has also stated that it expects to consider only the most relevant occupations when evaluating whether a disability claimant can work in other fields. In the current American economy, it makes sense to choose occupations that are in high demand, as Social Security Commissioner Martin O’Malley argued.
This means that our decision-makers will not be able to deny disability claims based on these jobs. This decision was welcomed by many, especially Americans with disabilities who felt the system was failing them.
The changes to Social Security disability benefits are significant and impact a large number of beneficiaries. Knowing the reasons behind these adjustments and the new evaluation criteria is crucial for current and potential recipients.
The removal of outdated occupations from the list of acceptable career options is a step towards a more relevant and fair assessment process. By focusing on high-demand jobs, the SSA aims to provide a more realistic and supportive approach for disabled individuals seeking benefits.
FAQs
Why were 20,000 disabled workers removed from Social Security benefits?
Shifts to retirement benefits, death, or no longer qualifying.
What are the four categories for disability benefit termination?
Death, medical recovery, work recovery, retirement age.
How does SSI differ in terms of termination?
No conversion at 65, and substantial gainful activity isn’t a reason.
What changes did SSA make to the list of acceptable career options?
Removed 114 outdated occupations.
Why focus on high-demand jobs for disability evaluation?
To provide a fairer assessment and support disabled individuals.
