Social Security Disability Reform

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Social Security Disability Reform Act

Purpose: To reform the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program by adopting a percentage-based disability rating system similar to the Veterans Affairs (VA) Disability Rating system, in order to expedite processing, increase approval rates, and reduce governmental waste.

Section 1: Short Title

This Act may be cited as the “Social Security Disability Reform Act.”

Section 2: Findings

  1. The current Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program has a high rate of denials and lengthy processing times, disadvantaging hundreds of thousands of applicants in need.
  2. Many applicants are compelled to hire disability lawyers, which does not guarantee benefit approval and imposes additional financial burdens on the disabled.
  3. The Veterans Affairs (VA) Disability Rating system operates on a percentage basis and processes claims more efficiently than the SSDI program.
  4. Adopting a percentage-based system for SSDI could streamline application processing, increase approval rates, and reduce governmental expenditures by minimizing redundant work and appeals.

Section 3: Implementation of a Percentage-Based Disability Rating System

(a) Definition and Structure:

  1. The Social Security Administration (SSA) shall develop and implement a percentage-based disability rating system similar to that of the VA.
  2. Disability ratings shall range from 0% to 100%, in increments of 10%, based on the severity of the disability and its impact on the individual’s ability to work.

(b) Application Process:

  1. Applicants shall submit medical and vocational evidence supporting their claimed disabilities.
  2. The SSA shall evaluate and assign a disability rating to each applicant within 90 days of application receipt.

Section 4: Benefits and Compensation

(a) Determination of Benefits:

  1. Disability benefits shall be determined based on the assigned percentage rating, with higher ratings yielding greater benefit amounts.
  2. The benefits structure shall be detailed in subsequent SSA regulations to ensure fair and adequate compensation for all disability ratings.

(b) Review and Reassessment:

  1. The SSA shall conduct periodic reviews and reassessments of disability ratings to ensure accuracy and address any changes in the individual’s condition.
  2. Applicants may request reassessment in the event of a significant change in their medical or vocational status.

Section 5: Administrative and Financial Efficiency

(a) Cost Reduction Measures:

  1. Implementing this system shall reduce the administrative burden and costs associated with repeated applications, denials, and appeals.
  2. Savings from administrative efficiencies shall be reallocated to enhance SSA services and support for disabled individuals.
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I absolutely love this idea! I’ve been trying to qualify for 2 yrs…hired SSA Reps for reconsideration & was denied AGAIN! Hearing won’t be for another YEAR! I’m not asking for millions–just enough to supplement what my ill spouse receives in SSDI. BTW–on top of a few autoimmune diseases I have, I am my spouse’s caregiver for almost 7 yrs now. I can’t work–it’s just not feasible when I am sick & I care for a sick spouse at the same time!

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It is also a bad idea to force anyone who has been on SSDI to get on Medicare 7 months after getting SSDI. If the person has insurance they like and that they can afford, they should be allowed to keep it. Making them go on poorer, more expensive Medicare, makes no sense!

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I agree that forced Medicare is also ridiculous especially if you already have private insurance that is superior to Medicare. Again I feel following the VA style but more along the lines of the Military Veterans Dependents health insurance, Humana Military, would be highly beneficial for anyone on SSDI.

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The system has been broken for as long as it has been around in my opinion. Government officials tend to not talk to each other and if they just took a minute to see what works over here may work over there if you know what I mean. Don’t forget to vote for this if you would like to see it move forward.