The Appropriations Committee in the U.S. House of Representatives recently passed a bill that contains funding for the work of the Social Security Administration (SSA). For Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) candidates, this action matters because, while there is more funding to be had, there still isn’t quite enough funding to go around.
Details of the Funding Bill
The Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Funding Bill contains funding for everything the SSA does. Unfortunately, the SSA still has plenty of challenges ahead and this financial increase is not enough to address all of them. Though the increase was just over $1 billion, that number is $330 million less than requested by the Biden Administration.
What Does This Bill Mean for SSDI Applicants?
Government moves slowly, but once a bill is passed things begin to move a little faster. Though they may not head in the right direction for your needs as an applicant for Social Security disability insurance. Here is what the passing of this bill means for SSDI applicants:
- Administrative appeals hearings: Beneficiaries have the right to an impartial appeal process. An on-the-record hearing is conducted by an impartial judge who can make independent decisions without agency interference or political bias. If the independent administrative law judges are replaced with SSA employees, the independence of the process is jeopardized. The Appropriations Committee strongly urges the SSA to not exercise this authority.
- Disability determinations: There is concern that it takes the SSA too long to deliver favorable SSI or SSDI determinations. The Appropriations Committee has requested a briefing on the issue.
- Professional representatives: The general consensus is that quality legal representation in SSA matters helps claimants and beneficiaries, of course, but also helps SSA work more efficiently and accurately. The cap on fees that are payable via fee agreement is being raised.
- Video hearings: The SSA has resumed in-person hearings since the pandemic began, but there is still support for the allowance of a claimant to choose to use video or telephone hearings voluntarily if they prefer or have an in-person hearing if they so choose.
What Happens Next?
There is always something new happening in government that can affect SSDI applicants. Since this bill has been passed, the next step for this particular piece of legislation is for the full U.S. House of Representatives to vote on the matter.
In the meantime, if you are ready to file for SSDI or find yourself facing an appeal process, don’t wait for legislation to make its way through the government. Align yourself with an experienced Social Security Disability lawyer and get your case into the system so you can get the benefits you deserve as soon as possible.
Contact Thurswell Law to get help from the start in securing Social Security Disability Insurance benefits and getting you the compensation your family deserves. Call us at (248) 354-2222 today. We do not charge any fees until we win.