If you need to apply for SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance), you may have to wait longer than expected because of delays in decisions. Currently, the Administration is making a big effort to simplify things.
As a matter of fact, the Social Security Administration will simplify the Disability Evaluation Process. Any improvement can make life easier to thousands of applicants every year.
How will Social Security simplify the Disability Evaluation Process?
The agency claims that SSA will reduce the work history period to 5 years. When it comes to past relevant work, Social Security has been using a period of 15 years.
Therefore, there is a considerable difference between 5 and 15 years. This new rule comes from the Executive Order on Transforming Federal Customer Experience and Service Delivery to Rebuild Trust in Government.
This measure aims to reduce unnecessary administrative burdens. In this way, more applicants will receive benefits from the Government if they qualify for SSI or SSDI.
Which step of the process will Social Security simplify?
The Administration claims that it will simplify step four. This step checks whether a worker can perform any of their past relevant work. Since it will be faster to check the past relevant work, wait times will be lower too.
Bear in mind that it will be much easier to provide information, so workers will take less time reviewing cases. The best thing about this new Social Security rules is that it came into effect on June 22, 2024.
Not having to give detailed information regarding your past relevant work history will save time for disability benefits applicants. In fact, it was inaccurate and incomplete on many occasions.
Other measures for the Supplemental Security Income will expand eligibility but they will not come into effect until October 1, 2024. If you have a new disability apply as soon as possible to avoid delays and get monthly payments.
