With more than 130,000 Philadelphia residents relying on Social Security benefits to either supplement their income or as their sole source of income, any changes that might put these benefits in jeopardy are cause for concern.
At Silver & Silver, our West Philly Social Security Disability attorneys have been keeping close watch over the headlines regarding this issue. A recent government proposal would make it more difficult for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) beneficiaries in our area and across the country to continue receiving the benefits that they deserve.
These changes, outlined in late 2019, would potentially cut off SSDI benefits for hundreds of thousands of Americans, including the elderly and children. Under this proposal, individuals who have qualified for SSDI benefits in the past would be subjected to a review every twenty-four months, whereby the government would consider anew whether they continue to qualify for these benefits. This shortening of the period before continuing benefits claims are reconsidered would mean that individuals who have in many cases waited years to prove their eligibility for these benefits would be in a state of perpetually proving their impairments are disabling.
Additionally, with the Social Security Administration already stretched thin and understaffed, the additional workload will likely cause further delays in the claims process in an agency that has historically been known for excessively long wait times to move through the administrative process. For individuals who depend on disability benefits to support their families, a long wait could cause grave financial consequences.
Finally, with proposed changes to the actual qualification standards, thousands of disabled individuals could find their benefits suddenly cut off.
While these proposed changes have been billed as an effort to cut down on fraud, in reality, they could prove to deal a huge blow to many hard-working families. While average disability payments total just over $1,000 per month, or $12,000 per year, that relatively small sum often goes a long way for individuals with limited income to pay their medical bills and daily living expenses.
What can you do to protect your Social Security disability benefits? Silver & Silver strongly encourages Philadelphia area residents to register to vote in the 2020 Presidential Election and make your voice heard regarding the future of crucial government programs.
Consulting an experienced Social Security Disability attorney can also help ease your mind while facing an uncertain future. Silver & Silver has more than 40 years of experience handling these types of cases, and we can provide top-notch legal guidance in your time of need. Our attorneys will stand by your side and fight for your rights if you find yourself on the wrong end of a denied claim.
For more information or to schedule a consultation with a leading Social Security and/or personal injury attorney in Philadelphia, PA, please contact Silver & Silver today.
