SSA Commissioner Reconsiders Changes to Disability Application Process

“Congressional Quarterly Today” reports that, due to strong opposition by congressional Democrats, the Social Security Administration’s commissioner has decided not to go forth with plans to change the application process for disability benefits. Commissioner Michael J. Astrue drew criticism for considering implementing stricter procedures and time limits for applying for disability benefits. House Democrats, including Ways and Means Chairman Charles B. Rangel (NY), expressed their concern that the proposed rules might result in the rejection of legitimate claims on technicalities. If the proposals were implemented Social Security’s actuary had estimated that disability payments would be reduced by $2 billion over 10 years.

Astrue had originally proposed changes to the application process because it was long and complicated—on average taking more than 500 days. The commissioner said that advocates for the disabled had raised “legitimate concerns…regarding the availability of medical records.” He went on to say that Congress should examine whether hospitals and doctors are providing disability claimants with their medical records as quickly as possible. Astrue said he still wants to improve the disability application process but will determine which proposals have “broad-based support” before going forward.