Why Eligibility for Social Security Disability Remains a Challenge for Some

1. April 26, 2017 Why Eligibility for Social Security Disability Remains a Challenge for Some Image 1: Eligibility for Social Security Disability: How to Avail of It Faster The difficult process of filing for benefits is causing the social security disability program to fail many of the people it’s supposed to serve. A combination of administrative inadequacy and far too rigorous requirements have only managed to deny benefits to some deserving claimants. This provides hospitals and healthcare institutions with an opportunity to improve their revenue cycle management processes by helping their patients with SSDI eligibility problems. Background on SSDI The social security disability program was created to help people who are unable to work due to a disability. In the event that able-bodied individuals suddenly become injured or fall ill, they can have some financial relief to look forward to. P a g e 1 | 3

2. These benefits are also extended to children who suffer from disabilities or conditions that prevent them from fully functioning. The extension of the benefits to disabled children is meant to relieve parents of the cost of providing for whatever special needs they may have. This, however remains to be only an ideal for some people. In fact, even if they have been religiously contributing, they may still find it difficult to meet the requirements for eligibility for social security disability. The Eligibility Problem Among the foremost issues hounding the system is that it’s essentially undermanned and overwhelmed by the sheer volume of people seeking to avail of the benefits it has to offer. Disability hearings drag on far longer than it should, such that some claimants end up never being able to enjoy its benefits. The eligibility problem, therefore, is sometimes not so much a matter of not meeting the requirements, but rather an administrative one. This situation prevents some of the very people who are supposed to benefit from it from receiving aid. Federal Response In light of this problem, the federal government has responded by promising that the Social Security Administration will soon hire 100 extra workers despite the federal hiring freeze currently imposed. These new hires will then help ease the backlog and expedite the approvals of benefit claimants. In the grand scheme of things, it may not seem like much--it’s just a hundred staff catering to millions of members, after all. Nonetheless, it’s a promising start. Taking Note of Requirements The Social Security disability program only provides benefits to those suffering from medical conditions which prevent them from working for at least a year or from a terminal illness. Those who intend to file a claim for social security disability must take careful note of the standards and requirements. This remains the biggest obstacle preventing people from getting the benefits they need. P a g e 2 | 3

3. Companies like DECO are in the best position to provide assistance to healthcare organizations and institutions who may be serving individuals claiming social security disability benefits. About DECO: We at DECO are Affordable Care Act and SSI/SSDI eligibility experts. Our talented and multilingual staff will assist your patients in all phases of the application process from filling up forms, submitting applications, and attending hearings, to filing of appeals. The end result is better revenue for you and better coverage for your patients. Sources: White House Budget Director’s Claim that Social Security Disability is ‘Very Wasteful’. The Washington Post.com Social Security Failing to Keep Up with Disabled Population. Washington Times.com P a g e 3 | 3