IN THE SPOTLIGHT

House Provision May Reduce Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) Benefits as Soon as 2016

By Sophia Hocini, PWDF Program Coordinator for Public Awareness and Education

The future of the SSDI Program has become unclear as a result of a controversial proposed amendment to House Resolution 5 made by the 114^th Congress. The amendment would bar the House from transferring funds from the Social Security Old Age and Survivors Insurance (OASI) trust fund to replenish SSDI funds. Without the reallocation from OASI, SSDI benefits are projected to be cut 20% as soon as 2016.[1]

In the past, funds between the two programs have been moved back and forth to prevent deficits in either program.[2] Although not yet signed into law, the amendment in the new House rules package would only permit legislation affecting SSDI if its overall effect also improves the solvency of the OASI trust fund,[3] essentially prohibiting reallocation to the SSDI program completely.  SSDI serves as an insurance plan for many, and withholding SSDI funds could reduce payments to the millions of people who had a portion of their paycheck deducted each month for this insurance.

The potential reduction in recipients’ SSDI checks threatens the well-being of people with disabilities, including the one-fourth of beneficiaries with mental impairments.[4]  Without a change in legislation, the House’s prohibition of fund reallocation will cause SSDI benefits to wane even more over time.

PWDF Profile

Who We Are

People With Disabilities Foundation is an operating

501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in San Francisco, California, which focuses on the rights of the mentally and developmentally disabled.

Services

Advocacy: PWDF advocates for Social Security claimant’s disability benefits in eight Bay Area counties. We also provide services in disability rights, on issues regarding returning to work, and in ADA consultations, including areas of employment, health care, and education, among others. There is representation before all levels of federal court and Administrative Law Judges. No one is declined due to their inability to pay, and we offer a sliding scale for attorney’s fees.

Education/Public Awareness: To help eliminate the stigma against people with mental disabilities in society, PWDF’s educational program organizes workshops and public seminars, provides guest speakers with backgrounds in mental health, and produces educational materials such as videos.

Continuing Education Provider: State Bar of California MCLE, California Board of Behavioral Sciences Continuing Education, and Commission of Rehabilitation Counselor Certification.