An annual report published by the trustees of the Social Security and Medicare programs on April 22 brought about good news. It stated that the Social Security’s Disability Insurance Trust Fund has suddenly become healthier.
According to trustees’ 2015 annual report, the Social Security Administration (SSA) should have lost their ability to pay benefits in full by the following year. This inability to pay didn’t happen though. It’s not expected to happen for a long time either.
The latest forecast made by the trustees for the Social Security’s Disability Insurance Trust Fund is that they’ll be able to cover their obligations in full up until 2052.
Analysts point to many factors as reasons for why the fund’s health has improved.
The passing of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, a program which many colloquially refer to as Obamacare, made it possible for those poorest workers to receive health care. This resulted in less of them feeling the need to try and qualify for disability.
Judges responsible for making decisions regarding the awarding of disability benefits were also retrained.
Both of these resulted in a reduction in applications being submitted and fewer approvals for benefits being made.
An additional strategy for reducing social program spending being peddled by some analysts involves physically impaired workers being incentivized financially for continuing to remain in the workforce. Employers would be given monetary rewards for finding innovative ways to get those with disabilities back to work as well.
There are certain requirements that you must meet to qualify to receive Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits. You must meet the plan’s definition of disability and have contributed to the program for a specified amount of time. If you’re unsure if you meet program requirements, then an attorney here in Whittier can help you understand if you’re eligible.
