Over 10 million people in the U.S. currently receive disability benefits from the Social Security Administration (SSA). These disabled individuals rely on these monthly benefits to cover their living expenses and make ends meet. But sadly, a new proposal by the Trump administration may cut disability benefits for thousands of people.
Current Process For Continuing Disability Reviews
If you are approved for benefits, the SSA will periodically review your medical condition to confirm that you are still eligible. Your benefits will continue as long as you are still disabled. However, if you are no longer disabled, the SSA will terminate your benefits.
This process is known as a continuing disability review. The SSA conducts these reviews at least once every 3 years. But if your condition is expected to improve fairly quickly, the reviews are conducted more frequently. If your condition falls into this “medical improvement expected” category, the SSA may conduct a review every 6 to 18 months. On the other hand, if your condition falls into the “medical improvement not expected” category, the SSA may only review your case every 7 years.
Proposed Changes to the Process
The SSA has proposed adding a new “medical improvement likely” category. If this proposed change goes into effect, the people that fall into this category would be reviewed by the SSA every two years. It’s estimated that this change would lead to an additional 4.4 million reviews over the next 20 years.
There are several reasons why experts believe that this proposed change could cost thousands of people their disability benefits. First, people who are under review must submit medical records, financial documents, and other information to the SSA as part of the review process. Finding and submitting this documentation is difficult for many disabled individuals, which could cost them their benefits.
Furthermore, an investigation found that the doctors that determine whether or not someone is still eligible often race through the paperwork in order to complete as many reviews as possible. Rushing through these reviews likely leads to mistakes that could result in many eligible individuals losing their disability benefits.
As of now, the proposed change has not taken effect. But if it does, it’s important to work with an attorney during your continuing disability review to ensure you are denied the benefits you are entitled to by law.
Are you unable to work due to a disability? If so, contact Armstrong & Vaught, P.L.C. at once. Let our experienced attorneys guide you through the process of applying for Social Security disability benefits. Call us at (918) 582-2500 or toll-free at (800) 722-8880 or complete the simple form below for a free consultation with a skilled attorney.