Trump Proposes Social Security Change That Could End Disability Benefits for Hundreds of Thousands

[G_j]

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2019/12/16/national-disgrace-trump-proposes-social-security-change-could-end-disability?utm_campaign=shareaholic&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=facebook

Published on
Monday, December 16, 2019
byCommon Dreams

'A National Disgrace': Trump Proposes Social Security Change That Could End Disability Benefits for Hundreds of Thousands

"The Trump administration is attacking another vulnerable population: those who are disabled and receiving Social Security Disability benefits."

byJake Johnson, staff writer

Activists are working to raise public awareness and outrage over a little-noticed Trump administration proposal that could strip life-saving disability benefits from hundreds of thousands of people by further complicating the way the Social Security Administration determines who is eligible for payments.

The proposed rule change was first published in the Federal Register last month but has received scarce attention in the national media. Last week, the Social Security Administration extended the public comment period on the proposal until January 31, 2020.

"This is not over. We will all need to mobilize."
—Peter Morley, patient advocate

"The Trump administration is attacking another vulnerable population: those who are disabled and receiving Social Security Disability benefits," tweeted patient advocate Peter Morley, who lobbies Congress on healthcare issues. "This is a national disgrace."

"This is not over," said Morley. "We will all need to mobilize."

..more..

[superpatriotman]

1. Here's the scheme:

Currently, beneficiaries are placed in three separate categories based on the severity of their disability: "Medical Improvement Not Expected," "Medical Improvement Expected," and "Medical Improvement Possible." People with more severe medical conditions face less frequent disability reviews.

The Trump administration's proposed rule would another category called "Medical Improvement Likely," which would subject beneficiaries to disability reviews every two years.

According to the Inquirer, "an estimated 4.4 million beneficiaries would be included in that designation, many of them children and so-called Step 5 recipients, an internal Social Security classification

[Iliyah]

2. Right wingers sure love to destroy Mother Nature and do harmful

things to human beings all for profit.

[2naSalit]

6. They want to make sure that

they are the "chosen" ones.

[RKP5637]

23. They delight in it, and all the more pain and suffering, the more delighted they are.

They are sadists, but many in the populace still do not get it.

[Eugene]

3. It's been asked many times before, but how many of these people are part of MF45's base?

Last edited Mon Dec 16, 2019, 11:34 AM - Edit history (1)

Plutocracy meets sadopopulism. He just has to hurt people.

[2naSalit]

7. +1

[yaesu]

9. In the red states I would bet the vast majority voted for dump or didn't bother to vote at all

and that decision will have deadly consequences. I hope "wrecking the system" was worth it to them.

[dchill]

10. The cruelty is a major part of the attraction...

...for fundagelicals. They have the same undying need.

[bullwinkle428]

11. They will NOT believe this news until it actually starts happening

to them; at that point, they will blame Obama.

I'm really not joking at all!

[Lonestarblue]

13. They won't even know about it.

Fox News will keep silent, as will hate radio. Since Trump supporters never listen to any other news, they will vote for him and then wonder why their Social Security is decreasing to pay for tax cuts for the rich or why their disabled family member is now theirs to support because SS got cut off.

[Cosmocat]

38. yep

nm

[Andy823]

12. Good question

however many there are, they will not know about it till it hits them, then they will wait for trump to tell them that the "it's all the Democrats fault, and they will simply buy into his likes his lies, again!

When you are in a cult you never question the leader, no matter what they do.

[packman]

17. Probably quite a few

The thing is - The poorer one is, the more one depends on Soc. Sec. benefits (or any benefits for that matter), or anyone on a limited income, the more they are afraid that it will be taken away to provide for another "liberal" handout. I know it sounds paradoxical, but they turn to the party that will support that belief and is against gov. hand-outs. In other words, I got mine but damn if I want you to take it away from me and give it to that other person.

[RKP5637]

25. It's an excellent question, and I bet many sit there and wave their little flags and wear MAGA hats

while enabling their own pain, suffering, death and destruction. What a sorry lot they are. They want others to suffer, but can't comprehend as they fall for all of the bullshit, that they are on the list too.

[shanti]

36. Probably a lot of them!

Lots of people go on SSI when they become unemployable before regular SS. When there are no job possiblities, and you don't have the money to move, this is their go-to option for survival. If Chump pulls this away, there is nothing. And I do think he will at least attempt to mess with SS and Medicare too.

[Hotler]

4. it's all about selfishness we these people. And I bet Stephen Miller is behind this. nt

[dalton99a]

5. Kick

[Wounded Bear]

8. K & R...for visibility...nt

[bucolic_frolic]

14. RWQS

Reagan Welfare Queen Syndrome

[George II]

15. Nancy Pelosi sent out an email about this last night:

EMERGENCY ACTION NEEDED

XXXXXX, chip in to defend Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid

XXXXXX: President Trump wants to GUT:

- $26 MILLION from Social Security
- $865 MILLION from Medicare
- $1.7 TRILLION from Medicaid

Trump promised he wouldn’t make cuts to these critical programs. He lied.

XXXXXX, we must take action. Can I count on you to chip in before midnight to help us mobilize? >>

Trump gave a $2 TRILLION tax cut to his rich friends and paid for it by slashing Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid. Trump is hoping no one will notice his ruthless attacks until it’s too late.

XXXXXX, we noticed.

Every dollar -- even $5 or $10 -- makes a huge difference in stopping Trump’s agenda in its tracks. Chip in right now. >>

Americans all over the country depend on these life-saving programs. We can’t let Trump get away with these attacks.

Don’t let up,

Nancy

[JustAnotherGen]

52. Next years election is too late - make comments today

https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2019/11/18/2019-24700/rules-regarding-the-frequency-and-notice-of-continuing-disability-reviews

The Submit Comment Button is in Green.

It costs nothing.

[Mersky]

16. The Social Security review process and benefits to income levels

Are already screwed up and demoralizing. Dehumanizing attempts at deterring recipients already exist. I didn’t know how much until I met one of my best friends who has cerebral palsy. Has to be poked and prodded to confirm she still has cerebral palsy every few years by a govt doctor. They should just be concerned with confirming her identity now and again.

Heaven forbid she not update her address fast enough, because then she has to wait for hours in line at the SSI office in anticipation of the possible lecture and shaming for her irresponsibility for missing the deadline by a few days, all the while her knowing they’d probably make her go in anyways (whilst hoping they wouldn’t make her go for a physical to confirm the CP hasn’t gone away miraculously.)

The experience in the office seemed designed to be unpleasant, as far as I could tell, when I went with her to her last appointments that took most of the workday. And so, I’m reading here about the class of recipients targeted for increased scrutiny, and it makes me livid to think of these folks being maligned and possibly destabilized for what are likely paltry benefits relative to what it takes to live well within the confines of their income limits and disability to qualify for the benefits in the first place.

[Kaleva]

40. Did your friend report improvement in her condition or fail to return a DUR questionaire?

"The frequency of medical CDRs is based on the severity of your condition

The SSA assigns individual review schedules ranging from every six months to every seven years based on the likelihood that you will experience medical improvement. If medical improvement is:

“Expected,” the case will normally be reviewed within six to 18 months after benefits start.
“Possible,” a case will normally be reviewed no sooner than three years.
“Not expected,” the cases will normally be reviewed no sooner than five to seven years."

"Due to a current backlog of about 1.3 million CDRs, you may receive a Disability Update Report questionnaire instead of a notice that you will undergo full medical review. This questionnaire is a self-report on whether your health status has improved; and any recent medical care, employment, or training activity. If you report improvement or work activity, this information can trigger a full medical review, as does failure to complete and return the questionnaire. If you do not report any improvement or work activity (and there are no other reasons to suspect improvement), a full medical review is deferred."

https://www.allsup.com/allsup-place/10-Facts-About-Disability-Reviews

When I was approved for SSDI three months after I applied, the likelihood of improvement was categorized by SSA as "Not expected". A couple of years ago, I received the DUR questionnaire and I filled it out and had my personal doctor fill out and sign that section she had to do. I returned it and then later received a letter stating that a full medical review was deferred.

[CaptYossarian]

18. I thought this would end when that bastard, Paul Ryan, resigned.

Hopefully, the poor people and those with disabilities will find time to go to the polls for once.

[I_UndergroundPanther]

43. Hey, I didn't vote for trump.

And I am disabled.
Trump cutting SSI terrifies me.
Why can't the rich and evil people leave me alone. I hate narcissim and greed.

[CaptYossarian]

48. I know. It's not like we're getting rich on it.

[Silver Swan]

19. As I recall this was tried in the 1980s

Many disability recipients were determined to no longer be disabled. There were huge backlogs in pending appeals as people protested their benefit terminations. Reagan finally gave up, and restored benefits.

https://www.nytimes.com/1982/05/09/us/fairness-of-reagan-s-cutoffs-of-disability-aid-questioned.html

https://www.nytimes.com/1984/04/14/us/reagan-suspends-benefits-cutoff.html

[LiberalArkie]

20. A friend of mine is dating a woman on disability.

She, her 2 brothers, mom and dad, and (I believe) 2 cousins are all on disability for back injuries. She gets $2,000 a month. Plus whatever they get from their wood cutting business.

Out where I live I think just about everyone is on disablity, but for some reason it does not affect their hunting and other sports.

But I have some people who are really hurting, but could not get any assistance at all. I don't understand it.

[greymattermom]

21. Once my daughter dated a guy whose mother was on disability.

She was remodeling their house. On the other hand, I know someone with cerebral palsy who wants to work part time and be on disability. I think she has been applying for 3 years now. She has started wearing leg braces for instability, but otherwise seems normal.

[Kaleva]

30. One gets disabilty of one can't do the work one did.

People with severe mental health issues can get disability even if they can do physical work.

[Mersky]

33. Cerebral palsy alone doesn't effect mental abilities

My experiences growing up are that folks with CP are generally smarter than the average bear, and I’ve really, really enjoyed getting to know their perspectives.

Good golly, can be forces to reckon with it, and it’s awesome. But! can affect more than you can see with things like metabolism and higher calorie needs, sustaining energy, iron, temperature - it can be draining, even if they make it look easy.

I hope her benefits come through, as she deserves a backstop of financial support to make the best decisions possible for her.

[Habibi]

24. Does location make any difference, do you think?

I thought SSDI was awarded based upon condition/disease, but there could be multiple factors I'm not aware of.

[Kaleva]

27. Amount of SSDI is based on how much FICA taxes you paid in.

[Habibi]

42. Yes, but I didn't mean amounts.

I meant criteria for being awarded, apart from past work history. Sorry if that wasn't clear.

[Kaleva]

26. $2000 a month? She must have paid a huge amount in FICA taxes to get that much.

What you get on SSDI is the same as one would get for SS. Also, there is a limit to ho much one can make before disability is cut.

[standingtall]

31. I would think she probably isn't on SSDI

Last edited Mon Dec 16, 2019, 07:27 PM - Edit history (1)

She might be either on company or possibly Va disability. The most anybody on SSDI gets is about 1,000 a month that I know of.

[Kaleva]

34. I don't think she's on SSDI either or the amount is grossly over-inflated

I get $1194 a month. That's after working for 30+ years

[LiberalArkie]

49. I think she started getting it when she was 19.

[Kaleva]

50. She would have had to earn 6 work credits in the three years prior

"However, younger workers can qualify for disability benefits with fewer work credits. If you become disabled before age 24, you must have earned 6 credits in the three years prior to the onset of your disability. If you become disabled between age 24 and 31, you need credits for half the time between age 21 and the onset of your disability. For example, if you become disabled at age 29, you would need four years of prior work, or 16 credits."


https://www.disability-benefits-help.org/faq/work-requirement-qualify-social-security-disability

"Workers can receive a maximum of four work credits each year. The exact amount of work credits you earn each year will depend on your employment activity and the amount of your earnings. In 2019, a worker must earn $1,360 to earn one work credit."

https://www.disability-benefits-help.org/glossary/work-credits

"Social Security bases your retirement and disability benefits on the amount of income on which you've paid Social Security taxes—called "covered earnings." Your average covered earnings over a period of years is known as your average indexed monthly earnings (AIME). A formula is applied to your AIME to calculate your primary insurance amount (PIA)—the base figure the SSA uses in setting your benefit amount. The formula consists of fixed percentages of different amounts of income (called "bend points," which are adjusted each year). For example, in 2019, 90% of the first $926 of your AIME is added to your PIA, plus 32% of your AIME from $926 to $5,583, plus 15% of your AIME over $5,583. These amounts are added up to come up with your PIA."

https://www.disabilitysecrets.com/how-much-in-ssd.html

In order to get $2000 a month in disability (SSDI), your friend would have had to have paid in a great deal in FICA taxes before the age of 19. For comparison, I worked for over 30 years before going on disability and I get paid $1194 a month.

[CountAllVotes]

32. Really?

Last edited Mon Dec 16, 2019, 01:47 PM - Edit history (1)

Gee they are lucky lucky lucky!

I am 64 years old and on SSDI. I worked for over 20+ years and was diagnosed w/multiple sclerosis and ending up in a wheelchair not long afterwards.

I receive a whopping $990 a month and no, this is not what I hoped for -- life sucks most of the time.

All I do is make mistakes mistakes mistakes and as for what this disease has done to me physically and mentally is beyond comprehension.

I know of a man with MS that is blind from it and unable to get any benefits and has many other problems due to it and he cannot get a thing even after going to court 3X!

Maybe I should move to where you are so I can collect $2,000+ a month as I don't know anyone that receives much more than I get which is just more than I can barely get by on!

& recommend.

[kcr]

47. Wow, $2000 a month?

Cool story, LiberalArkie.

[greymattermom]

22. Amy McGrath should campaign on this.

Maybe some folks would wake up.

[Omaha Steve]

28. K&R!

For visibility.

[KY_EnviroGuy]

29. The idea here is to force as many as possible to silently drift away and die.

Pure Ayn Rand-ish demeaning and slow destruction of anyone unable to work a full time job.

Plutocrats evidently believe they own us from cradle to grave because money = power and Republican Jesus approves.

That's the bottom line.......

[I_UndergroundPanther]

46. Death does not scare me

But torture and suffering because of the greed of billionaires and republican sadism until I die does scare me. If I lose my means to survive in my life, I hope death is fast and merciful.

[shanti]

35. Let him try it

Motherfucker won't know what hit him.

[I_UndergroundPanther]

44. I'm looking forward to

The end of trump and the ruin of all things republican.

[moondust]

37. The billionaires club

that he has always desperately wanted to be part of is probably pushing him for more tax cuts for buybacks, but he has already run up the debt so much that they're telling him he has to cut spending on something to make it look better. "Who is the easiest prey," he asks, like any cowardly predator would.

[Buckeyeblue]

39. Many of these people voted for Trump

[I_UndergroundPanther]

45. A lot of us voted for Hillary.

Do not smear all disabled people as right wing assholes. Some of us
never voted republican and willl never vote republican.

[Vinca]

41. Tis the season.

[JustAnotherGen]

51. How To Submit a Comment at Federal Register

https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2019/11/18/2019-24700/rules-regarding-the-frequency-and-notice-of-continuing-disability-reviews

Next to this: This document has a comment period that ends in 31 days.(01/17/2020) - you will see a green button. Click that and be heard.

There are only 154 Comments. They need thousands to be take seriously.