Social Security Disability

Growing Funding and Administrative Problems Gao ID: T-HRD-92-28 April 27, 1992

The Social Security fund that provides benefits to those who are too disabled to work is projected to run out of money by 1997 as the rate of successful claimants increases and movement off the rolls slows, partly because budget constraints have virtually eliminated screening for beneficiaries who no longer meet disability standards. The length of delays by State Disability Determination Services in processing applications for disability benefits is expected to reach seven months in 1993. Appeals of disability determinations already take seven months. This testimony highlights some of the underlying factors, such as rising disability application rates as a result of the recession, that have affected the trust fund situation. GAO also discusses problems with program administration.



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