There's been talk lately of Artificial Intelligence (AI) taking over white collar jobs. I thought I would take a look at what Chat GPT, the widely available free AI app could do in the Social Security context. In Part I of a three part series this is a question I asked and the Chat GPT response:
Question: What kinds of disability benefits does the Social Security Administration offer?
Answer: The Social Security Administration offers several disability benefits programs, including Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). SSDI provides benefits to disabled individuals who have worked and paid Social Security taxes, while SSI offers assistance to disabled individuals with limited income and resources. Additionally, there are programs like Disabled Adult Child (DAC) benefits for adults with disabilities who were dependent on a parent's Social Security earnings, and Compassionate Allowances for faster processing of severe medical conditions. Keep in mind that eligibility criteria and benefits can vary, so it's best to check the SSA's official website for the most up-to-date information.
It missed Disabled Widow and Widower benefits which is not good. On a more obscure note, it missed that disability benefits for blindness are a separate category in both Titles II and XVI of the Social Security Act.
There are computer algorhythms? that will predict with a 95% accuracy awards and denials in 75% of SSA's disability cseload. This has been known for many years. No way to use it so far. It is used in Australia and California for some prpogram, last I heard.
ReplyDeleteThe tool is only as good as the craftsman that uses it.
ReplyDeleteSo on a casual question you wanted 100% accuracy and detail into a program that 98% of the population cannot answer, and if I called half of the SSA offices and rep offices they would gloss over those lesser used parts of the program too. It is in further questioning that you get into the more obscure parts of SSA programs.
ReplyDeleteI understand, you need to make this seem like it is horrible and not up to snuff but actually what you have proved so far is about what I would get from most Rep and SSA websites on an initial look into disability questions.
I agree and disagree- I believe AI answered was more complete than 90% of employees. Try it call 1-800-772-1213 maybe you’ll have better luck.
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ReplyDeleteThis poster is spot on. The bot was asked a general question and gave a general answer. You didn’t note it, but it also missed CBD/DAC benefits. It hit on the the most common DIB and SSI, but CDB/DAC are less common, and disabled Widow/Widower even less common. It also didn’t mention anything about ESRD. POMS, and SSA policy in general is so in-depth that employees sometimes have to start from general information and “dig” for other possible entitlements by asking for more information from claimants (ie about deceased spouses, or possible DAC entitlement). Unless you want an absolute wall of text, the bot did its job. Ask a follow up question regarding disabled widows benefits or DAC and see if it responds.
It mentioned DAC benefits.
DeleteIt may have missed mentioning some of the lesser applied for benefits but it can learn.
ReplyDeleteAnd unlike many of the new hires, it will retain the information.
Actually, I was fairly impressed with the answer. It mentioned DAC and while DWB was not mentioned, it did say other benefits like DAC so did not exclude either. And while blindness is a type of disability with some special rules, it did not say anything I would consider wrong.
ReplyDeleteWould like to see what happens if you ask more detailed questions.
ReplyDeleteIt can have my job. I'm retiring as soon as SSA curtails telework, which I expect to happen shortly.
I agree…it can have mine too
DeleteIf you wanted a complete list of all benefits, you should have asked it for a complete list of benefits or for every type of disability benefit offered. You asked a vague, non-exhaustive question and got an appropriate response.
ReplyDeletePEBKAC
ReplyDeleteYou asked about "disability benefits". DWB is a survivor benefit. Depend on the source or guidance Chat GPT is given, is adheres to things technically.
The issue here is you failed to word your question properly:
"What types of benefits could a disabled person get?"
"What types of Social Security programs could a disabled person be eligible for?"
Note: There were trials of certain virtual bots using Google that had a high success rate of answer questions and processing basic inquiries. It was scuttled because leadership is under the mindset that employees are all they need.
AI can write decisions. It can write your on the record request brief, just go in after and clean up any of the minor problems and punch up the areas you want to put emphasis on. With the limitless number of decisions and briefs it can be trained up pretty easily by someone with a bit of practice.
ReplyDeleteTelework needs to stop. Employees are needed in the office to assist the public that pays their salary. Potential beneficiaries are walking in to file for benefits and are being given an appointment for a teleclaim 2 to 3 months in the future. Meanwhile a widow goes without money.
ReplyDeleteStop being part of the problem my guy.
DeleteAlso, maybe switch to decaf. Nothing you said was accurate.
Yeah, just a tip for using ChatGPT - whenever you ask it a question and you're looking for completeness, ask it if it left anything out with its last response. Or ask it to critique its last response. The biggest strength of gAI: that it's rapidly iterative.
ReplyDeleteOne more caveat here. You stated that used the "free AI App". This suggests to me that you're only using GPT 3.5, the version of the tool available for free. For $20/month, you can access version 4.0 (as well as additional modes and plug-ins). For comparison, I copied and pasted your question into 4.0 with nothing added or removed. Here was the answer it gave:
ReplyDeleteQuestion: What kinds of disability benefits does the Social Security Administration offer?
ChatGPT
The Social Security Administration (SSA) in the United States offers several programs related to disability benefits:
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI):
This is for people who have worked for a sufficient amount of time in jobs covered by Social Security.
Eligibility is determined by the number of work credits earned, which are based on age and the duration of work history.
Beneficiaries must have a medical condition that is expected to last at least one year or result in death.
After receiving SSDI for two years, beneficiaries are automatically enrolled in Medicare, regardless of age.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI):
This is a needs-based program for people with limited income and resources.
Beneficiaries can be disabled, blind, or elderly (age 65 or older).
Unlike SSDI, SSI eligibility does not depend on work history. However, there are strict limits on income and assets.
In many states, SSI recipients automatically qualify for Medicaid.
Disabled Widow's/Widower's Benefits (DWB):
These benefits are for disabled widows or widowers aged 50-60 whose deceased spouse was insured under Social Security.
Eligibility criteria include the medical condition starting before the spouse's death or within seven years after the death.
Disabled Adult Child Benefits (DAC):
These benefits are for adults who have a disability that began before age 22.
They may be eligible if a parent is deceased or starts receiving retirement or disability benefits.
These individuals are considered "adult children" under Social Security. Their benefits are based on their parent's Social Security earnings record.
For all these benefits, "disability" is generally defined as a medically determinable physical or mental impairment that lasts (or is expected to last) for at least 12 months or is terminal. The impairment should also prevent the person from engaging in "substantial gainful activity," which means it impacts their ability to work and earn a certain amount of money.
It's worth noting that the application process for these benefits can be rigorous, requiring medical documentation and potentially multiple layers of review and appeal. Many applicants benefit from seeking guidance, either from resources provided by the SSA or from legal professionals who specialize in Social Security disability claims.
This last statement is a huge understatement... kind of like when the Urologist says, "This might hurt a little..."
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