Following strong pushback by advocates and increased public attention, the Social Security Administration, under Commissioner Bisignano’s leadership, has backed away from proposals that would have made it even more difficult for people with disabilities, in particular older adults, to qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).
We are pleased that Commissioner Bisignano has recognized that a proposal to remove age as a consideration for determining disability eligibility and other changes to the disability eligibility rules would be out of alignment with this administration’s promises not to cut Social Security.
Eliminating age as a criterion in the disability determination process would be devastating for older workers, especially those who perform physically taxing, dangerous jobs. Without access to SSDI, such workers would be forced to take Social Security retirement early to make ends meet, putting the financial health of the Social Security Trust Fund at risk.
Urban Institute had estimated that the proposed changes would have decreased the number of eligible older adults by 30%. Just a 10% reduction would result in 500,000 fewer eligible individuals overall.
We appreciate Commissioner Bisignano’s decision to listen to advocates and the public, and we look forward to continuing to work with the agency to make needed improvements at the Social Security Administration and to ensure that Americans have full access to the benefits they depend on.
