Unless Congress takes action soon, Social Security disability could be insolvent in four years, according to a report from Bloomberg. Those with disability qualifying conditions in desperate need of money could be severely harmed by this happening, as many of these people are using these payments to stay afloat with a disease, illness or condition.
“They’re desperate,” said Ken Nibali, a retired associate commissioner of the disability program, according to Bloomberg. “Some who are marginal and struggling to have a low-paying job now literally have no options. They figure, ‘I do have trouble working and I’m going to apply and see if I’m eligible.'”
Insolvency would mean a 21 percent cut in benefits to 11 million Americans who need help from the program to stay alive, the news source said. There are 77 million baby boomers out there who may eventually or already do need help from the Social Security Administration, so Congress cannot let these gigantic cuts happen.
Claimants should apply as soon as possible if they can no longer work. There is no advantage in delaying an application for disability benefits after leaving work due to severe and chronic illness.
Additionally, Social Security income benefits are not generally welfare benefits. The SSDI program is considered an insurance program and most workers are covered under this program. Therefore, a claimant who is disabled is entitled by virtue of paying taxes to benefits. The law offices of Harold W. Conick and Associates believes Congress should keep this in mind whenever revision or cuts to the program are under consideration.
