The Social Security Administration (SSA) plays a crucial role in providing benefits to millions of Americans, including retired workers, survivors, disabled individuals, and those in the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program.
One of the most vital programs administered by the SSA is the disability benefits program, which encompasses Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and SSI.
Recently, the SSA announced significant changes to the occupation requirements for disability benefits applicants, which aim to update and improve the determination process.
Understanding Disability Benefits
Disability benefits, provided under Title II of the Social Security Act (SSDI) and Title XVI (SSI), offer financial support to individuals with disabilities. To qualify, individuals must meet the SSA’s definition of disability: the inability to engage in any substantial gainful activity due to a medically determinable physical or mental impairment expected to result in death or last at least 12 months.
Key Changes in Occupation Requirements
On June 24, the SSA announced the elimination of certain occupations from the Dictionary of Occupational Titles (DOT) used to determine disability benefits eligibility. Jobs such as canary breeder, railroad telegrapher, and reptile farmer are among the 114 occupations removed from the list.
This change addresses the outdated nature of the DOT, which has not kept pace with the modern economy and its shift away from manufacturing jobs requiring physical labor.
Additionally, the SSA identified 13 jobs, including dance hall hostess, nut sorter, and magnetic tape winder, where the evidence for a “not impaired” determination has been questioned by federal courts.
These positions will now require more evidence to be used in disability determinations. The aim is to ensure that the most relevant and current jobs are considered when assessing whether a claimant can find other employment based on their abilities.
Impact on Social Security Beneficiaries
The SSA asserts that these changes will enhance the disability determination process by focusing on pertinent jobs, thereby making it easier for applicants to navigate the system. Martin O’Malley, Commissioner of Social Security, emphasized that eliminating outdated occupations from consideration aligns with the current job market and helps prevent unjust denials of disability claims.
Benefits for Applicants
- Updated Job Considerations: By removing obsolete occupations, the SSA ensures that only relevant and existing jobs are used in the assessment process, reducing the likelihood of benefit denials based on unrealistic job opportunities.
- Improved Fairness: The change aims to make the disability determination process fairer, particularly for those who have faced systemic barriers to equitable care, such as people of color and low-income individuals.
- Enhanced Evidence Requirements: For certain jobs, more substantial evidence will now be required to justify a “not disabled” determination, potentially leading to more accurate assessments.
Broader Implications
The changes are expected to have a positive impact on millions of Americans, including those in the Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities, who experience higher rates of disability and benefit denials. Statistics indicate that 26% of U.S. adults live with a disability, with the rates even higher among BIPOC populations. For example, 35.5% of Black and Hispanic adults aged 45–64 have a disability. These communities also face significant disparities in accessing quality healthcare and culturally appropriate care.
The SSA’s decision to update the occupation requirements for disability benefits reflects a commitment to modernizing the system and ensuring fairer outcomes for applicants.
By focusing on relevant jobs and requiring more substantial evidence for certain positions, the SSA aims to improve the accuracy and fairness of disability determinations. This change not only supports individuals with disabilities but also addresses longstanding disparities faced by marginalized communities.
FAQs
What changes has the SSA made to the disability benefits program?
The SSA has removed 114 outdated occupations from the list used to determine disability benefits and increased evidence requirements for 13 jobs.
Why were these changes made?
The changes were made to update the disability determination process, ensuring that only relevant and current jobs are considered, and to improve fairness for applicants.
How will these changes affect disability benefits applicants?
The changes aim to make the process fairer by preventing denials based on obsolete job opportunities and requiring more substantial evidence for certain positions.
Who benefits from these changes?
All disability benefits applicants, particularly those in marginalized communities who face higher rates of disability and benefit denials, will benefit from a more equitable determination process.
What is the SSA’s definition of disability?
Disability is defined as the inability to engage in any substantial gainful activity due to a medically determinable physical or mental impairment expected to result in death or last at least 12 months.
