Over the past several decades, the number of Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients has steadily swelled, especially among claims made for children. While most recipients consider these benefits a lifeline, the increasing costs have many citizens questioning what the future holds for the program.
The Supplemental Security Income Lawyers with Newlin Disability point to data that indicates in 1974, when the SSI program was first launched, the total number of disabled children receiving benefits was approximately 71,000. By 2011, though, roughly 1.3 million disabled children were receiving benefits, costing taxpayers around $9.3 Billion annually.
An article released by the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco says there are several reasons for this increase in claimants. A major influencing factor came when a precedent-setting court case eased the qualifications for SSI benefits. Then later, rulings allowed for more liberal interpretations of these standards, allowing more citizens to be eligible for payments through the program.
The payout increase is complicated because many claimants will continue to collect benefits for the rest of their lives rather than entering the workforce at some point.
The law firm’s team of attorneys explains the shortage of funding these issues are creating could complicate the approval process for new claimants and encourage those considering applying for benefits to discuss their case with a reputable attorney immediately.
