Social Security Disability Faces Budget Shortfall, But Return to Work Programs Could Help

October is National Disability Empowerment Awareness Month, and to help celebrate the US’s expanding definition of capable workers, President Barack Obama issued a statement: “This year’s theme, ‘Expect. Employ. Empower’ reminds us that every American has a right to dignity, respect, and a fair shot at success in the workplace. For too long, workers with disabilities were measured by what people thought they could not do, depriving our nation and economy of the full talents and contributions of millions of Americans.”

The statement is not just a feel-good sentiment, but a call to action that could help the Social Security Disability program as it faces a massive budget shortfall in 2016. Projections over the last few years suggest that SSDI could run dry of funds in just shy of a year and a half. Meanwhile, more Americans are filing for disability benefits than ever before, claiming not just physical disabilities but mental and emotional disabilities including PTSD and depression, which, without focus on treatment, can keep them from working effectively.

When the Social Security Disability Program was created in 1956, the definition of “disability” was very different. People with disabilities, such as those who were wheelchair bound or mentally handicapped, faced lives of complete dependence on caregivers and family members. They often lived their lives in institutions or at home, and without accessible buildings, specialized education programs, job training, and a workforce primarily focused on factory or farm labor, disabled Americans were not believed to be able to contribute meaningfully to the economy.

In 2014, however, much of the workforce is “white collar,” focusing on desk jobs in front of computers, and much of the workforce increasingly telecommutes. Civil rights legislation like the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) has created space for any disabled person to find education and eventual work, even if the work is only part-time.

Many Americans, whether on temporary or permanent disability benefits, want to find work but fear losing their benefits and having to go through the whole complicated application process again. However, in the past few years, Social Security Disability has acted to allow disabled Americans to try some forms of work, but still keep their security net in place should the job fall through, become inaccessible, or the worker finds they are unable to perform due to their disability.

For example, the Plan to Achieve Self-Support (PASS) allows people on disability benefits to set money aside to purchase equipment and supplies to start a business, meet school expenses, or purchase work clothes and transportation for a new job. The Ticket to Work Program connects disabled Americans with career training and placement agencies, while keeping cash and medical benefits in place.

Soon, Congress will vote on the Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act, a bipartisan bill that would help the transition from disability benefits to job security. The bill allows those who acquired disabilities at a young age to maintain disability payments while working part- or full-time and seeking better jobs. This would allow the disabled person to focus on saving money for disability-related expenses for when they finally transition off of Social Security Disability to full-time employment.

The Strom Law Firm Can Help with Social Security Disability Claims

Applying for Social Security Disability Insurance can be complex. However, we understand that you need your benefits and we will put our years of experience to work for you to ensure that you have the representation necessary to actively pursue your claim. Call the South Carolina Social Security Disability attorneys at the Strom Law Firm today to discuss your Social Security Disability or Supplemental Security Income case today. We will be glad to discuss any questions you may have during our free, confidential consultation. Call the experienced attorneys at the Strom Law Firm at (803)252-4800.