When someone is unable to work due to a disabling medical condition or mental illness, he or she could be eligible for financial support through the Social Security Administration. It is already complicated and frustrating to secure disability benefits through the SSA, and deserving California applicants may find this will be even more difficult in the future. If passed, a recent proposal could affect the eligibility of hundreds of thousands of Americans.
This proposal is coming from the SSA, and it is possible this regulatory measure could be put in place before President-elect Biden’s inauguration in January. If this does happen, either Congress or Biden could undo it. In the meantime, however, it could impact almost half a million deserving disability applicants. The potential changes would affect primarily older workers who may have difficulty doing their jobs.
It can be financially devastating for applicants who do not get approval for their disability claims. Research shows that up to 73% of those who are denied have little to no other income options because they are unable to work. Even before these potential changes, the current system makes it exceptionally difficult for older individuals with serious medical issues and limitations to get financial help through the SSA.
Many California applicants will find it beneficial to work with an experienced attorney when trying to secure disability benefits. It can be challenging to get the financial support one needs and deserve, and knowledgeable guidance can prove invaluable at every step of this process. Before applying, it may be helpful to seek an assessment of the individual case to better understand eligibility requirements and necessary steps.