Social Security Announces Major Change in Disability Eligibility

If you have a new disability or you have thought about applying for Social Security's disability benefits, here is the most important change

Social Security Announces Major Change in Disability Eligibility

Social Security and disability benefits change

The Social Security Administration (SSA) has recently introduced a significant change to the evaluation process for individuals applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits.

Starting from June 22, applicants are no longer required to provide a detailed account of their employment history for the past 15 years. Instead, they only need to list their employment history from the previous five years.

Social Security statement

According to Martin O’Malley, Commissioner of Social Security, this new rule aims to ease the burden on applicants by allowing them to focus on the most recent and relevant aspects of their work history.

He said “This new rule will lessen the burden and time our applicants face when filling out information about their work history and will make it easier for them to focus on the most current and relevant details about their past work,” O’Malley stated.

The changes are not just beneficial to applicants but also enhance the efficiency of the SSA’s operations. “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,” added O’Malley.

This adjustment is expected to streamline the decision-making process, leading to faster outcomes for those in need of disability benefits. These updates reflect the SSA’s ongoing commitment to improving the application process and ensuring a more efficient and user-friendly experience for all applicants.

Applying for both SSDI and SSI benefits involves a detailed five-step process. One crucial requirement is providing a comprehensive work history. To be eligible for disability benefits, applicants need to demonstrate that their disability prevents them from engaging in substantial work for at least one year or is expected to result in death.

Why Work History Matters

A detailed work history is essential to determine if the disability genuinely hinders the applicants from performing their job. However, recalling up to 15 years of previous work experience can be challenging for many.

Recognizing this, the administration has simplified the process by no longer requiring applicants to include work experiences that lasted less than 30 calendar days.

Important Points to Remember

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