Two senators have recently introduced legislation that is aimed at improving the quality of the Social Security Disability Insurance Program. As it is expected that the reserve fund will be depleted by next year, the purpose of these bills is to ensure that funds are being used legitimately. A 20% cut is currently scheduled for next year which would adversely affect the 11 million Americans rely on SSDI. If passed, the proposed legislation could positively reform the current state of the program.

The intent of the Promoting Opportunity for Disability Benefit Applicants Act grants the Social Security Administration the power to provide those who were denied SSDI benefits with information on other support services. As the application process typically takes 100 or more days, workers are forced to wait for a decision regarding benefits when they could be re-entering the workforce. The goal of the Act is to ultimately help workers successfully re-enter the workforce and avoid the application process cycle.

Another bill introduced, The Improving the Quality of Disability Decisions Act of 2015, requires the Social Security Administration to review decisions made by Administrative Law judges in order to guarantee that they are complying with the law, as well as SSA’s policies. While the bill does not have a direct effect on spending, it does ensure uniformity in the consistency and quality of decisions that are made.

The third bill, The Disability Fraud Reduction and Unethical Deception (FRAUD) Prevention Act, imposes monetary penalties on those who attempt to defraud social security. The bill expands upon Social Security’s ability to protect the taxpayer’s money by exposing and punishing fraudulent activity. In addition to increasing the monetary penalty of a misstatement to $7,500, those who defraud could also incur a felony conviction and a sentence of ten years in prison.

Especially considering the pending legislation, if you are unable to work due to illness, mental or physical disability, contact an attorney who is experienced in obtaining Social Security benefits for their clients. Call The Law Offices of McIntyre, Donohue, Accardi, Salmonson, & Riordan, LLP at (866)557-7500.

Attorney Advertising.