Social Security’s disability program is a political quagmire ”” and a metaphor for why federal spending and budget deficits are so difficult to control. The numbers are too big; the details, too complicated; and the choices, when faced, too wrenching. President Obama’s new budget, estimated at $3.5 trillion or more, will raise all these problems. Experience suggests that little will be done to rein in long-term spending and deficits.
Social Security’s disability program opens a window on this larger paralysis. Created in 1956, more than two decades after Congress authorized Social Security, the program was initially seen as a natural complement to coverage for retirees. Through sickness or accident, some workers had to retire early. They, too, deserved protection. For many years, the costs were modest. But in recent decades, they have exploded….
[i]The numbers are too big; the details, too complicated; and the choices, when faced, too wrenching[/i]
No, that’s not it at all. The progressive left is hell-bent on transforming the country. This charade of a budget just codifys that aim [again]. It’s not a question of whether we can continue this unsustainable path or not. We can’t. The question is; how are we going to change it? By steely, determined leadership or by the chaos of economic collapse and its associated pain?
If by collapse, you will see the details, no matter how “complicated”, will matter not at all.
The problem I see is haw the program discourages work or bar set so low where a physically able adult baby can receive befits
I know of other who claim vague mental disabilities to receive befits. Then there is bother is high order autistic he is no danger anybody did volunteer work. He can do simple job to financial analysis, he can do shot term trips by himself but need to live in a group home situation or at home. His memorization skills are off the chart He can work but the system keeps him stuck on social security disability.
Let’s be clear here: I received Social Security because I paid into the system while I served my career on active duty in the Air Force and after I was medically retired and placed on the TDRL and finally permanently retired with compensation from the VA. When I reached 65, the SSDI was automatically replaced by regular SS compensation……not just because I was disabled, but because I earned it according to the rules.
There are different kinds of disabilities; some of which are not evident to the casual observer. For instance, someone might have a heart condition which prevents him or her from working. Another may have a mental condition. But yet, another, like me, may be orthopedically disabled and unable to perform physical tasks or get around without crutches or a wheelchair (that’s me). That’s an obvious condition. The government, like many employers, calls that ” physical unemployability.”
Before I was medically retired, my records went before an Air Force Physical Evaluation Board for review in order to determine whether or not I should remain on active duty, and it was determined that I should not. Could a similar system work for civilians? It might, but the expense could be huge and the wait could be longer than it is now.
I don’t know if there’s an answer to this. Does anyone have an answer?