Baltimore Social Security Disability Lawyers: SSDI Reform Needed
June 7, 2017
In recent years, there has been a growing controversy over the costs associated with the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program, the federally funded program that has provided financial relief for thousands of disabled workers across the country. In 2015, $143 billion was allocated to SSDI recipients, plus billions more for Medicare. Due to the looming forecast suggesting that the Social Security Trust Fund will be bankrupt by 2022 if current spending continues, many believe that the program is in need of major reforms if it is to be saved.
It is unlikely that Congress would allow the Social Security Trust Fund to become depleted without taking action. In 2015, funds were transferred to the SSDI program from the main trust fund. While some believe that the rapid growth of the program is a result of widespread fraud, most of the costs associated with the program are due to other factors, including a larger population of aging recipients. While there has been a decline of participation in the workforce by males between the age of 25 and 54, the nation’s economy depends on ensuring that those who are willing and able to work are paid a salary, rather than depending on government assistance.
According to the SSDI rules, applicants must be unable to work, or engage in any substantial gainful activity. Unfortunately, what often ends up happening is that recipients rarely return to the workforce. When recipients receive cash benefits and healthcare as part of their SSDI benefits, there is little incentive to return to work, especially if it is at a lower salary than before. A reporter for the Washington Post reports that many who apply for disability benefits abandon the idea of returning to work, particularly when aches and pains worsen over the years, and the job prospects become that much more limited. For the severely disabled, SSDI is a lifeline. Yet, it is middle-aged workers with musculoskeletal or psychological issues who are the typical recipient of SSDI benefits.
Reforms Seek to Return Employable Recipients to the Workforce
Economists David H. Autor and Mark Duggan proposed a plan that would help employable individuals to stop relying on SSDI benefits by reconnecting them to the workforce. As the employee begins collecting a salary and benefits, their SSDI benefits, including health insurance, would be phased out. The proposed plan would rely partially on subsidized private-sector disability insurance.
While budgetary savings are certainly one aspect of the push for reform, the main goal is to support those who are clearly unable to work, and who need the support, while devoting resources to helping people with disabilities return to work if and when they are able.
Baltimore Social Security Disability Insurance Lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton Help Clients Obtain the Benefits They Deserve
If you have a disability that prevents you from being able to work, either temporarily or permanently, contact the reputable Baltimore Social Security disability lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton at your earliest convenience. We will thoroughly explain all of the options available to you based on the severity of your disability. Our dedicated and experienced team will ensure that you receive the maximum benefits to which you are entitled. For a free, confidential consultation, call us today at 800-547-4LAW (4529) or contact us online.
Our offices are located in Baltimore, Columbia, Glen Burnie, and Towson, allowing us to represent clients throughout Maryland, including those in Anne Arundel County, Carroll County, Harford County, Howard County, Montgomery County, Maryland’s Western Counties, Southern Maryland, and the Eastern Shore, as well as the communities of Catonsville, Essex, Halethorpe, Middle River, Rosedale, Gwynn Oak, Brooklandville, Dundalk, Pikesville, Parkville, Nottingham, Windsor Mill, Lutherville, Timonium, Sparrows Point, Ridgewood, and Elkridge.
