According to Lagradaonline, The Social Security Administration (SSA) has implemented a significant change in its disability benefits program. The agency will now evaluate disabled individuals differently to determine their eligibility for the program. This decision responds to findings that certain jobs that disabled individuals might be capable of performing are not widely available in the American labor market.
New Definition of Disability
Previously, the SSA defined disability as the inability to engage in any substantial gainful activity (SGA) due to a medically determinable physical or mental disability. This condition must be expected to result in death or have lasted, or be expected to last, for at least 12 months. However, the federal agency has now announced a revised definition of disability, informed by the identification of 114 occupations with very few job opportunities. This list includes professions such as models, astronomers, and agricultural engineers.
As a result of this finding, the SSA will no longer consider these low-demand jobs when evaluating applications for disability benefits. Additionally, the agency has recognized 13 occupations where judges have raised concerns about the suitability of labeling workers as “not disabled.”
Implications for Disability Benefits Applicants
Social Security Commissioner Martin O’Malley stated that it is essential to identify professions currently in extremely low demand in the economy. Therefore, this change means that the SSA will not use these low-opportunity jobs as grounds for denying disability benefits applications.
This updated definition aims to enhance the process of analyzing disability benefits applications. By focusing on more relevant occupations, the SSA seeks to provide clearer criteria for determining whether individuals qualify for benefits. The agency will continue to utilize data from the Occupational Requirements Survey conducted by the Bureau of Labor Statistics to inform future changes.
Current Statistics on SSDI Recipients
As of May, there were approximately 7.23 million disabled workers receiving Social Security benefits, marking a decrease of 20,000 from the previous month. The government paid an average of just over $1,500 per month to these recipients, totaling over $11 million in benefits during that month.
Experts suggest that the decline in the number of disabled workers receiving benefits could be attributed to several factors, including individuals passing away, transitioning from disability to retirement benefits, or losing eligibility for benefits. While these remain speculative, they highlight the complex dynamics affecting the SSDI program.
Conclusion
If you are a disabled individual currently receiving SSDI benefits or considering applying for the program, it is crucial to understand these changes, as they could significantly impact your eligibility and the overall benefits process. Stay informed about updates from the SSA to ensure you are aware of how these modifications might affect your situation.
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