A new study examined economic outcomes of Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) applicants denied benefits by the Social Security Administration (SSA). Findings indicate such applicants suffer economic harm and fare poorly in the job market. A detailed article on the findings appears here.
Older SSDI applicants denied benefits due to stringent SSA standards go on to struggle with greatly decreased earnings in the job market. Though disability causes applicants economic harm, most are denied benefits at first. Without an appeal, these applicants face dim prospects going forward.
About SSDI
The SSA provides SSDI to those who have worked, paid into the system, and suffered a disability that leaves them unable to work. SSDI benefits carry over until the recipient reaches retirement.
About the Study
Researchers Jody Schimmel Hyde and April Wu of Mathematica tracked a group of applicants who were initially denied SSDI benefits through SSA. Among the sample group studied:
- All applicants were at least 50-years-old
- The average age of the group was 59 years
- Each had worked enough hours to qualify
- Most worked five years before applying
- Few worked for five years after denial
Over 50% of the sample group eventually received benefits before reaching their full retirement age, including successful appeals, new applications, or reduced benefits at early retirement.
About the Findings
The study shows poor economic outcomes for those denied benefits. For those who came close to qualifying, too disabled to return to their jobs, yet capable of other work, employment numbers fell off sharply. This confirms a 1989 Government Accountability Office (GAO) study in which few people denied SSDI benefits ever worked again, and those who returned to work saw declining wages and high poverty. A summary of studies from 2011 and 2015 supports these findings.
We Can Help
If you are disabled and unable to work, call Disability Attorneys of Michigan for a free confidential consultation. We’ll let you know if we can help you get a monthly check and help you determine if any money or assets you receive could impact your eligibility for disability benefits.
Disability Attorneys of Michigan works hard every day helping the disabled of Michigan seek the Social Security Disability and Veterans Disability benefits they need. If you are unable to work due to a physical, mental, or cognitive impairment, call Disability Attorneys of Michigan now for a free consultation at 800-949- 2900.
Let Michigan’s experienced disability law firm help you get the benefits you deserve.
Disability Attorneys of Michigan, Compassionate Excellence.