Applicants will only need to submit five years of work history instead of the previous 15 years. (iStock )
The Social Security Administration (SSA) Adjusting the evaluation process To make it easier for Americans with disabilities to get the benefits they need.
Typically, when an individual becomes disabled, the SSA provides benefits through the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) programs. Both programs have a five-step process to determine eligibility. In April, a final rule went into effect that reduces the administrative burden, improves the application process, and speeds up the decision-making process. The rule streamlines step 4 of the process, which places special emphasis on whether an individual can perform some of their previous work.
“This new rule will reduce the burden and time applicants face when completing information about their employment history, making it easier for applicants to focus on the most current and relevant details about their past employment history,” Social Security Commissioner Martin O’Malley said. “It will also improve the quality of information frontline workers receive to make decisions, improving customer service and reducing case processing times and overall wait times.”
The new rules officially went into effect at the end of June. Now, applicants only need to list work history from the past five years; previously, 15 years of work history was reviewed. Limiting this requirement expedites the application process, because work history from 15 years ago can be difficult for applicants to recall and can slow down the review. Also, SSA will not consider past work history that started and ended within 30 days of each other. This allows applicants to focus on the most relevant work and reduces the burden on application reviewers.
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Social Security is also updating several other regulations.
The rule streamlining the Social Security disability application process isn’t the only new rule going into effect this year. The Social Security Administration is working to improve the disability program with additional regulatory changes.
Another way SSA is expanding access to the SSI program is through: Update on the definition of public assistance householdsStarting September 30, the definition of a welfare household will include households that receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits and households with no members on welfare, which will allow more households to qualify and increase SSI benefits.
The agency said: Value of Food in SSI Benefit Calculations The program will begin in September, removing a major barrier that has been faced by many applicants who have been denied SSI assistance in the past: people who rely on informal help from friends, family and the community to cover food costs.
“A key part of our mission is to help people access important benefits, including SSI,” said Social Security Administrator Martin O’Malley. “Simplifying our policy is a common-sense solution that will reduce burdens on people and agency employees and help promote equity by removing barriers to accessing benefits.”
of SSA Rent Assistance Exception It will also expand state subsidy policies. Currently, only seven states have rent assistance policies. In those seven states, rent assistance (i.e., renting at a reduced rate) was unlikely to affect an individual’s SSI eligibility and payments. The expansion ensures that all claimants nationwide receive the same benefits.
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Many retirees who receive Social Security are working extra jobs to make ends meet.
Expanding access to Social Security would provide needed income to many Americans, including those with disabilities and those nearing retirement, but Social Security often doesn’t cover all of the necessities the average American spends on.
recently, 3.2% increase in cost of living Despite this increase for SSI recipients, many retirees are taking or considering temporary work to make ends meet. Indeed Flex Reports A third of retirees surveyed would consider working one to three shifts each week to earn extra money, and a further 20% of those surveyed have returned to work part-time or full-time due to rising costs of living.
“Contingency work can be a sustainable, long-term source of additional income,” Novo Constare, CEO and co-founder of Indeed Flex, said in the report. “The contingency work landscape continues to change as the contingency workforce becomes more diverse.”
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