The Social Security Administration (SSA) has made a significant change to how it defines disability for its benefits programs. This week, the SSA announced that it would update the criteria used to determine whether individuals qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).
The change comes after the SSA found that some occupations, previously used to assess an applicant’s ability to work, were no longer representative of the current American labor market. This change could have a substantial impact on those already receiving SSDI benefits, as well as new applicants.
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Disability Definition
Up until this year, the SSA’s definition of disability was centered around the idea that individuals needed to be unable to engage in any substantial gainful activity (SGA) due to a medically determinable physical or mental impairment. This impairment had to either result in death or last for at least 12 months.
However, the SSA recently reassessed the list of occupations used to determine whether a disabled person could find work in the economy. The agency discovered that 114 occupations, including roles like models, astronomers, and agricultural engineers, were no longer commonly available. As a result, the SSA will no longer use these occupations when evaluating disability claims.
Additionally, the SSA identified 13 other occupations where judges expressed concerns regarding the suitability of workers classified as “not disabled.” The agency acknowledged that simply identifying jobs someone could potentially perform was not enough; the availability of these jobs in the current labor market also needs to be considered.
According to Social Security Commissioner Martin O’Malley, this change ensures that outdated or irrelevant job categories are not used to disqualify applicants. Going forward, SSA decision-makers will focus on relevant and widely available occupations when determining eligibility for disability benefits.
Impact on SSDI Applicants
This update to the disability definition may enhance the fairness of the SSDI evaluation process. By eliminating jobs that are rarely available, the SSA will streamline its review of disability claims, ensuring that more realistic employment opportunities are considered. This shift will likely improve the chances of disabled individuals qualifying for SSDI, particularly for those who might have been disqualified based on obsolete job categories.
For people who already receive SSDI benefits, this change could provide added protection, as it reduces the likelihood of benefits being revoked based on non-existent or irrelevant job opportunities. For new applicants, this change offers hope that the review process will be more aligned with current labor market realities, potentially increasing their chances of acceptance into the program.
Future Program Adjustments
The SSA’s decision to adjust its disability criteria is part of a broader effort to improve the disability benefits program. The SSA plans to continue refining its evaluation process using data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Requirements Survey. By staying up to date with employment trends, the SSA will ensure that only relevant professions are considered when assessing an individual’s ability to work.
The number of disabled workers receiving SSDI has been declining. As of May, around 7.23 million people were receiving benefits, down by 20,000 from the previous month. The SSA paid these beneficiaries an average of $1,500 per month, with total payouts amounting to just over $11 million. There could be various reasons for the declining numbers, including individuals passing away, transitioning from disability to retirement benefits, or losing eligibility.
Implications for the Future
The SSA’s changes signal a shift toward a more realistic and supportive disability benefits program. By revising the occupations used in disability evaluations, the agency is ensuring that decisions are made based on the current labor market and job availability. This should reduce the number of unjust denials and provide better support to those who truly need it.
The SSA’s ongoing commitment to evaluating data from the Occupational Requirements Survey will ensure that future adjustments reflect evolving labor trends. Ultimately, these changes will help make the disability benefits program more effective and responsive to the needs of disabled workers.
The SSA’s updated definition of disability marks an important improvement in how disability claims are evaluated. By removing irrelevant job categories and considering the availability of work in the current economy, the SSA is making the system fairer for disabled individuals. These changes are expected to benefit both current SSDI recipients and new applicants, providing a more accurate and compassionate approach to assessing disability claims.
FAQs
How has the SSA changed the disability definition?
The SSA no longer considers outdated or rare occupations in disability evaluations.
What jobs were removed from the disability evaluation process?
Jobs like models, astronomers, and agricultural engineers were removed.
How will these changes affect SSDI applicants?
Applicants now face fewer obstacles and a fairer evaluation of their claims.
Will these changes help current SSDI recipients?
Yes, the new rules make it less likely for recipients to lose benefits unfairly.
What is the SSA’s goal with this new disability definition?
The goal is to make the process more realistic, considering current labor market conditions.
