Social Security as a Family Protection Program

The Social Security Disability (SSD) system has come under heavy attacks in recent months as politicians and think tanks argue that the system is becoming overloaded and rife with fraud. Recently, however, a spokesperson from the AARP offered a different perspective. The AARP spokesperson defended the Social Security disability system, portraying it as what it actually is: family protection, rather than a welfare program for those who don’t want to work. wheelchair-1082300-m.jpg

Boston Social Security disability lawyers know that there are many efforts underway to limit or even reduce Social Security Disability benefits, including a suggestion that the cost-of-living adjustments be changed to a formula called Chained CPI that would, in effect, be a cut in benefits. There have also been crackdowns on alleged fraud in the SSD system and efforts to make changes that will make it even harder than it already is to qualify for disability benefits through the Social Security Disability program. These cuts are justified through false claims that people just apply for the program to avoid work, when the argument that the SSDI system really is a family benefit is much closer to the actual truth.

Social Security Provides Protection for Families

The Social Security system provides more than just retirement benefits for those who have worked and paid into the system for their whole lives. Both survivor benefits and disability benefits provide an important lifeline to people who need help finding the income to support themselves and their families.

As the AARP spokesperson pointed out, the Social Security disability system “protects working men and women of all ages from risks in life that can lead to the loss of livelihood, such as from death or disability.” This includes protecting children who are severely disabled, as it can be very costly to care for a child who has extensive medical needs. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is available to lower-income families with a disabled child, while children who are disabled can also qualify for SSDI benefits in some cases under their parent’s work record.

As many as four million children in the United States receive Social Security benefits either because the children are disabled or because their parents have been killed and the children are being cared for by family members. The money provided to those who are disabled makes it possible to get needed medical help and that can make it possible for a family to survive if a parent has to stay at home to provide care for a disabled child.

Qualifying for SSI benefits can also result in eligibility for Medicaid, which provides an additional and important benefit for children and adults who are low-income and disabled. SSDI, on the other hand, can also provide access to medical insurance through Medicare after 24-months have passed.

Because SSI and SSDI provide the only income for so many families, the programs should not be attacked or weakened but instead should be strengthened to ensure that every family can receive the support they need. Disability is something that can happen to anyone, and SSI and SSDI are there for those who need a hand.

If you are considering filing for SSD benefits in Boston, call for a free and confidential appointment at (617) 777-7777.

More Blog Entries:
Social Security Process a Challenge – Vital for Those in Need, Oct. 24, 2013, Boston Social Security Disability Insurance Lawyer Blog

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