The Wall Street Journal article on the plan to alter Social Security’s grid regulations used in determining disability is now available outside the paywall. Here are some excerpts:
... “Evidence shows that in the modern economy the vocational impacts of age, education and work experience are markedly different from what they were when we published the current vocational regulations,” according to the text dated Oct. 18. ...
The proposed rule ... would no longer assume age seriously affects a person’s ability to adapt to simple, entry-level work. It would raise the age at which education and work experience are considered in determining eligibility to 55, from 50. The new rule would also update data on occupational skills that the agency uses to determine eligibility, based on new information from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. ...
When we heard of this idea before during the George W. Bush administration the rumor was of a three year increase in the age categories, not a five year increase. This new proposal seems in line with the maximalist instincts of the Trump Administration.A person familiar with the proposal said it has been a top priority for some Social Security Administration officials, who have met at least twice a month with White House and OMB officials. While some of those officials have embraced potential changes to vocational factors, others were concerned the agency hasn’t yet provided enough data or analysis to support the rule change, the person said. ...
As usual, this proposal is contradictory to the facts on the ground. Life expectancies are going in the wrong direction for a majority of the people affected here. Disability filings are declining. This is just more Koch sponsored meanness and cruelty. Income and wealth inequality is at an all time high and the bastards are still attacking the disabled and the safety net. If we don't fight back we will be rolled over. Time to get mad a nd passionate in the defense of our clients who will take a hit on this.
ReplyDeleteCharles, you have seen this sort of thing for years. What are the real world chances of this happening? What became of the Bush proposal? How was it stopped? Can public outcry and opposition be mobilized? We know the Reagan era reviews were a nightmare. This is a double whammy to cripple the program. Interested in any thoughts!
ReplyDeleteSounds like the hardest to qualify for disability program in the western world is going to get a whole lot tougher! I bet there will be a lot of fact cooking and downright falsehoods used to substitute for a rational basis for these changes! I assume the court packing with ultra right wing judges may assist the big boys at SSA and the Trump Administration cooking this up if anything goes to litigation. I see Americans in their early fifties with health problems just getting sicker and more desperate. This looks like total BS to make cuts on the backs of some of our most vulnerable citizens. This will have a big impact on middle aged white working and rural people.
ReplyDeleteI wonder with all the consevative appointments and proposals from the trump administration that likely designed to reduce the average citizens well being if his poor white supporters will still re-elect him in 2020?
ReplyDeleteThis should be pro-active for those filing after such things are in place. Upheaving someones life who is sick is harmful. New filers would be aware of these things, people on SSDI for years are going to have a very difficult time if this goes through. Age IS a factor, I think they're on the wrong end of the spectrum though.
ReplyDelete“Evidence shows that in the modern economy the vocational impacts of age, education and work experience are markedly different from what they were when we published the current vocational regulations,”
ReplyDeleteWhat evidence? And how is it different?
Has SSA cited to any specific reliable evidence that would justify getting rid of the claimant favorable grid rules they propose changing? Where, as they say, is the beef?
@3:22 PM
ReplyDeleteBut most of those same "middle aged white working and rural people" will continue to vote for Trump. Because as Trump and others figured out years ago, white middle aged men will put themselves through hell if, in exchange, they get to watch other old white men "trigger the libs" and oppress women and people of color.
We will have to hold out hope this bunch is massively repudiated at the polls in 2020 and they certainly deserve it. Bush lites plans to privatize the program were immensely unpopular and crashed and burned. We know the Reagan Reviews were a disaster. NOSSCR and other groups defending the disabled and progressive groups have got to hit them with publicity and an effective public relations campaign. These proposals must be the Trump Administrations bridge too far. If we sit back quietly hoping for the best they will destroy social security.
ReplyDeleteI'm not aware of anything supporting the position that age has become less of a disadvantageous factor than it was when the rules were enacted, particularly in regard to skills which is what the change appears to be based on. Maybe it could be argued work has generally gotten less physically demanding, but if anything, skill requirements have increased to compensate due to more complex work tools and processes.
ReplyDeleteBump the grids up 5 years and the 20% granting ALJ will become a 10% granting ALJ.
ReplyDeleteI'm certainly not advocating for the change, but five years makes more sense than three years given the rules change in five-year increments.
ReplyDelete