How Will the Election Affect My SSDI Applications and Benefits?
If you need Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or rely on it already, you might be wondering how the recent election could affect Social Security Disability applications and the benefits you receive.
Every election cycle, any changes in the political landscape can impact the Social Security system and your benefits – but how?
While we’re still learning about the new administration’s direction, some policies proposed in recent years – including those during President Trump’s first administration – can give us insight into potential shifts. Here’s a look at how these policies might affect Social Security Disability applications and what you can expect going forward.
Funding and Budget Changes
SSDI benefits are funded through payroll taxes, taken from your paycheck each week. It works like an insurance program: Social Security uses this revenue to pay applicants who need it later. It’s there for you in case a disability ever prevents you from working.
During his first administration, President Trump proposed some payroll tax cuts, which would at least temporarily decrease the amount of money flowing into Social Security’s trust funds. Those proposed cuts didn’t pass the first time, but could be revived.
Changes to the SSDI budget can affect the speed of claims processing, the resources available for appeals, or even payment timelines. Typically, the better funded the program, the better the application process and chance for success in your claim.
However, keep in mind other cost-saving policies (below) might make up for budget shortfalls if implemented at the same time.
Changes to Eligibility and Evaluation Rules
During President Trump’s first administration, many people pushed for stricter eligibility and review requirements for SSDI beneficiaries.
One notable proposal included more frequent Continuing Disability Reviews (CDRs) for people already receiving benefits. CDRs help the Social Security Administration (SSA) confirm a person’s disability still meets SSDI requirements. After all, sometimes people on SSDI get better and can return to work, and CDRs help catch that when it happens.
More frequent reviews could mean people with long-term disabilities face increased scrutiny to keep their benefits. But it could also save money for the SSDI program and help prevent fraud.
President Trump’s first administration also proposed changing the criteria for certain disabilities – specifically those related to mental health. These policies would mainly affect people with disabilities that are harder to measure with objective tests.
This could affect how quickly and easily people with conditions like anxiety, depression, or chronic pain qualify for SSDI, but it doesn’t mean it’s impossible to get benefits.
If you have a disability that’s hard to prove through clear medical testing, you should talk with a qualified SSDI lawyer about your case. Our attorneys have helped many people in this situation prove their medical history and how it impacts their work. We’re happy to speak with you at no charge.
Technology and Process Improvements
Recent years have seen a push toward upgrading the SSA’s technology, which can help streamline the SSDI application process. Digitizing applications and records, using algorithms when possible, and more, can help save money and relieve the overburdened Social Security staff.
President Trump’s first administration included pushes for modernized government systems, and similar initiatives today could bring improvements to SSDI.
Better technology might mean faster processing times, easier online applications, and fewer delays, which would benefit current and future applicants. It can also save the program money, which might help cover budget shortfalls.
Trusted Legal Help for Your Social Security Disability Application
Navigating SSDI is always complicated, and especially during times of political change when policies and procedures might shift. If you’re wondering how the recent election might affect Social Security Disability applications, you’re not alone.
Fortunately, it’s not your job to keep up with all the laws and how they change with each new administration. That’s our job, and we’re excellent at it. We’ve won multiple awards for client satisfaction for very good reason.
Our firm stays up-to-date on developments within Social Security Disability law so we can help make sure your claim meets the latest requirements. We help you gather any necessary evidence and back up your claim. And we communicate with you every step of the way.
All that, and we don’t make a penny unless and until we win your case. And even then, it’s just a small fraction of your past-due benefits. You keep every dollar moving forward.
If you’re concerned about potential changes to SSDI or have questions about your application, contact us today for a free consultation. We’re here to help you stay informed and secure the benefits you deserve, no matter what changes may come.