In a significant move to simplify the application process for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI), applicants will now only need to provide five years of employment history instead of the previous 15 years.
The recent changes in the disability application process aim to make it easier for people to receive benefits. By reducing the requirement from 15 years to five years of past employment information, the Social Security Administration hopes to alleviate some of the burdens applicants face.
SSDI and SSI application change’s advantages
According to Martin O’Malley, Commissioner of Social Security, highlighted the advantages of this new rule in a statement:
- Reduced Burden: Applicants can now focus on the most current and relevant details about their past work, simplifying the application process.
- Improved Decision-Making: The quality of information provided to frontline workers will be enhanced, enabling them to make more informed decisions.
- Better Customer Service: The changes are expected to improve customer service by reducing case processing times and overall wait times.
“This new rule will lessen the burden and time our applicants face when filling out information about their work history,” O’Malley commented. “It also improves the quality of the information our frontline workers receive to make decisions, improving customer service, and reducing case processing time and overall wait times.”
Applying for SSDI and SSI benefits can be a complex and multi-step process. Applicants need to demonstrate that their disability has either prevented them from performing substantial work for at least a year or is expected to be terminal.
This was highlighted by Ann Biddle, Litigation Supervisor for the Urban Justice Center’s Mental Health Project, in a recent SSA blog post. An essential part of the application includes providing detailed work history information from the past 15 years, which encompasses job titles, duties, and dates. This requirement can often be quite burdensome for applicants.
Simplifying the Application Process
The Social Security Administration (SSA) has made efforts to simplify this process. One significant change is the elimination of the requirement to provide employment information for jobs that lasted less than 30 days. This adjustment is expected to make the application process more accessible and less time-consuming.
Benefits of the Recent Changes
- Easier Application Process: By reducing the amount of detailed work history required, applicants can complete their applications more quickly and with less stress.
- Faster Processing Times: With fewer details to verify, the SSA can process applications more swiftly, leading to quicker decisions for applicants.
Ultimately, these changes aim to make it easier for individuals to apply for SSDI and SSI benefits, ensuring they get the support they need in a timely manner.