The Social Security Administration (SSA) has introduced a key change to its Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program by redefining how it evaluates disability.
This adjustment, effective this week, aims to improve the way the SSA determines eligibility for disability benefits by excluding jobs that are not widely available in the current U.S. labor market.
This move comes after findings that some occupations disabled individuals might theoretically perform are rarely offered in reality.
New Process for Disability Evaluation
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Previously, to qualify for SSDI, individuals had to demonstrate that they were unable to engage in any substantial gainful activity (SGA) due to a medically identifiable physical or mental impairment expected to last at least 12 months or result in death.
However, the SSA has revised this definition after discovering that 114 job positions, such as models, astronomers, and agricultural engineers, were too scarce to justify denying benefits based on potential employment in these roles.
As a result, these specific occupations will no longer be considered during the evaluation process for SSDI benefits. The SSA also identified 13 other job types where there were concerns about the suitability of applicants labeled as “not disabled.”
Going forward, the agency will place greater emphasis on whether suitable jobs are realistically available to disabled individuals in the labor market when making eligibility determinations.
Comments from the SSA Commissioner
Social Security Commissioner Martin O’Malley described the change as a “logical step” to exclude jobs that are in extremely low demand from the evaluation process. This decision ensures that such scarce occupations will no longer serve as a reason to reject applications for disability benefits.
Enhancing the Disability Benefits Process
The updated definition of disability is intended to streamline the SSDI application process by offering clearer criteria for determining eligibility. By focusing only on the most relevant and accessible professions, the SSA aims to make the assessment process more efficient and fair.
The agency will also continue to rely on data from the Occupational Requirements Survey, conducted by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, to guide any further updates.
SSDI Program Statistics
As of May, approximately 7.23 million workers were receiving Social Security disability benefits, a decrease of 20,000 from the previous month. The average monthly benefit for disabled workers was just over $1,500, with the total monthly payout surpassing $11 million.
Burt Williamson, a retirement specialist with PlanPrep, noted that several factors could contribute to the decline in the number of disabled workers receiving benefits.
While he did not provide a definitive explanation, he speculated that the decrease could be due to beneficiaries passing away, transitioning from disability to retirement benefits, or losing eligibility. However, these remain potential hypotheses rather than confirmed causes.
Looking Forward
The SSA’s efforts to redefine the disability evaluation process signal a move towards a more practical and equitable system.By refining the way it assesses the availability of suitable jobs for disabled individuals, the SSA is working to ensure that only meaningful employment opportunities are considered when determining eligibility for SSDI benefits. This change is part of a broader strategy to improve the accuracy and efficiency of the disability benefits program.
Source: Alamogordo Local News