Changes in the Social Security
Laws
by Lala Balattan
It is time we educate and update ourselves regarding essential issues of the
Social Security Administration. By having enough knowledge of SSA’s vital
programs concerning Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Disability Insurance
(DI), we would truly understand the workings --- implementations,
qualifications, claiming procedures, etc.
And since many policy changes have occurred with regards to the mentioned
programs, it is but necessary that we may be aware of such things. Like, what
new laws are enacted which covers diability beneficiaries of the DI program? Or
if you have a relative which you think may qualify for the SSI/DI, how
qualified? Here, we present you with vital facts on the SSI/DI programs’
legislative changes that have occurred for the past, 20 years, between 1984 –
1999.
On the various policy revisions over the period of 1984 – 1999, these are mainly
concerned on how to properly identify and analyze the beneficiaries entitled for
the said programs.
The Social Security Disability Benefits Reform Act of 1984 revised the mental
impairment listings for disabled workers. It also required that a combined
effect of all impairments be taken into consideration when determining
eligibility for disability benefits. A “medical improvement standard” was also
added for the disability review process stating that an individual’s disability
benefits may be terminated with the basis of substantial evidence which shows
that impairments have medically improved and the person concerned can already
handle salaried work.
Various laws have also been implemented in order to enhance the DI programs
like, the Social Security Disability Benefits Reform Act of 1984, which revised
the mental impairment listings. The Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity
Reconciliation Act of 1996, set criteria that were more restrictive for
childhood stability. The Public Law 104-121 eliminated drug and alcohol
addiction from the medical listings of disabilities. The Fair Housing Act (FHA),
as amended in 1988, makes housing more accessible to the disabled and prohibits
discriminations. So as with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Both the Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income beneficiaries’
population have experienced marked growth and compositional changes from 1984 –
1999. As such, the revisions and new laws which added up to the total package of
these programs have further enhanced and have enabled the government to reach
out its services further to its needy citizens. It is but important to be always
updated and aware of the programs of the Social Security which concerns every
individuals in the country.
Information is already empowerment. For more specific ideas on how the Social
Security programs work and for further updates, connect with the official
website of the Social Security at www.ssa.gov or go directly to the Social
Security Administration’s Information Offices in your state! Don’t waste your
time being unaware of opportunities that may entitle you and your family to
government services!
Lala B. is a 26 year-old Communication Arts graduate, with a major in
Journalism. Right after graduating last 1999, she worked for one year as a clerk
then became a Research, Publication and Documentation Program Director at a
non-government organization, which focuses on the rights, interests and welfare
of workers for about four years. For questions, comments and additional info
about the articles visit
www.socialsecuritylawattorney.com inquiries@socialsecuritylawattorney.com
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