WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) released a statement following the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) decision to make it easier for Americans with disabilities to apply for the Social Security Disability Program and cut waste in the program by improving vocational data and eligibility criteria. The move comes after Cassidy introduced his Improving Employment Options for DI Beneficiaries Act last year which would have instituted the change.
“The Social Security Administration is finally taking the step to update their occupation lists to reflect today’s job market,” said Dr. Cassidy. “We have pushed for an up-to-date job database to ensure those with disabilities do not fall through the cracks. This is a step in the right direction, but SSA is still behind the curve.”
To qualify for the Social Security Disability Program an individual must have no job opportunities available because of their condition. Currently, the list of jobs that are considered available includes the seal hunter industry, nut sorters, dowel inspectors, egg processors, and elevator operators. The list was last updated in 1977. According to SSA Administrator Martin O’Malley, SSA is still yet to implement a new system compiled by the Bureau of Labor Statistics to manage the approval process for disabled Americans.
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