OLD-SCHOOL WHEELING- DISABILITY INSURANCE

I wrote this piece for The Phoenix on August 4, 2007...



Disability Insurance August marks the 50th anniversary of the passage of Social Security Disability Insurance. This is an important landmark, since 3 out of 10 of today’s 20-year-olds will become disabled before reaching the age of 67. Seventy percent of the private sector work force do not have long-term disability insurance

. Disability Insurance has been one of the beneficial amendments in American history, as the sudden and often unexpected loss of income due to a worker’s disability can lead families into poverty. And this was often the case before 1956.

 Many changes have been made to the original Social Security Act, which was passed in 1935. Many don’t realize that at the time, no provisions for disability insurance were included in the act. It wasn’t until 1956 - two decades later - when President Eisenhower and Congress made an amendment to the Social Security Act to include a disability program.

 Even then, at first, only qualified workers between the ages of 50-65 were eligible for disability benefits. This coverage was expanded to include dependents of qualified disabled workers a few years later

. Even later, legislation created an entirely separate program called Supplemental Security Income (SSI). This program would hinge more on financial need as opposed to benefits based on prior work done

. Many disabled individuals want to work. Many just can’t because of their health, or because the job market is tough, even for able-bodied workers. So, thankfully Social Security Disability exists, and will continue to be in existence for those in need.

 If you need more information about Disability Insurance, go online to www.socialsecurity.gov or call 1-800-772-1213. Ask for the publication pamphlets, Disability Benefits or Supplemental Security Income.