Poll Shows Overwhelming Support for Social Security Disability Program
A recent survey found that 83 percent of likely voters believe that cuts to SSDI benefits would be unfair.
November 08, 2012
In times of political polarization and economic difficulty, government programs that benefit people who have endured hardships sometimes make easy targets for aspiring politicians. Nonetheless, a recent poll of likely American voters shows across-the-board support for continuation of Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits at existing levels.In a recent survey of 1,000 American adults, the political research firm Lincoln Park Strategies found that 83 percent of those polled agreed that cuts to SSDI benefits would be unfair. Only eight percent of likely voters stated that they were in favor of cuts in benefits to disabled workers who are eligible because they have paid Social Security payroll taxes.
Three out of four survey participants maintained support for SSDI despite having heard unfounded allegations from politicians or advocacy groups that SSDI is just another government handout. Support for this important disability program was broad based, including a 75 percent support rate from likely Republican voters. The vast majority of poll respondents said that Washington lawmakers should focus budget cuts on other federal programs.
The survey was commissioned by the National Organization of Social Security Claimants' Representatives (NOSSCR), which fights unfounded attacks against SSDI that mischaracterize disability benefits as an entitlement program. Eligibility for SSDI is based on a variety of factors, including whether the applicant has a sufficient work history to have qualified.
NOSSCR serves the interests of all Americans who may eventually find that they need to apply for disability benefits by providing the following facts to dispel common myths about Social Security disability programs:
- The Social Security Administration estimates that the ratio of active workers for every disability beneficiary is expected to be relatively stable in the future
- Recent increases in the number of Americans applying for SSDI are due to an aging population and medical advances that allow people to survive previously fatal conditions, rather than high unemployment rates
- When compared to even minimum-wage jobs, disability benefits are so low that they do not provide a disincentive to return to work for those who are able
- Obtaining approval is a complex process based on presentations of objective medical evidence, far from being an entitlement program
People who have questions about applying for disability benefits clearly understand the value of a program that provides meaningful relief for those who have worked hard but can no longer. A Social Security disability benefits lawyer can explain the details of initial applications and appeals, as well as related Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits for individuals who do not have sufficient work history to qualify for SSDI.
Article provided by Hoglund, Chwialkowski & Mrozik, PLLC
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