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Social Security Benefits
OverviewThe Social Security system provides benefits not only to retirees, but also to the survivors of workers who die before reaching age 62 and to workers who become disabled before age 62 and their dependents. People with severe disabilities are eligible for cash benefits under Title II of the Act, which includes Old Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance programs, and under Title XVI, which includes the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program. Generally, Title II disability beneficiaries are eligible for the Title XVIII Medicare program and in many States; SSI beneficiaries are eligible for the Title XIX (Medicaid) program.
Current proposals to reduce and reform Social Security through privatization of retirement benefits generally contain substantial reductions in disability and/or survivors benefits as well. This is a result of the Social Security benefit structure, which uses a common benefit structure to determine monthly benefit levels for retirement, survivors, and disability benefits alike. Therefore, NASHIA opposes any reform proposals that would reduce Social Security benefits for people with disabilities.
Legislation/Regulations
Budget Deficit Reduction Act (DRA) of 2005 (P.L. 109-171) [PDF 616 KB]
The Budget Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 makes changes in the SSI Program.
Fact Sheets
Social Security and Persons with Traumatic Brain Injury [PDF 127KB]
DCP’s DRA Timeline [PDF 131 KB]
HHS’ Welfare Reform: Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 Fact Sheet [PDF 69 KB]
