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Changes in the Social Security Laws

Changes in the Social Security Laws
by: Lala Balattan

It is time we educate and update ourselves regarding essential issues of the Social Security Administration. By having enough knowledge of SSA’s vital programs concerning Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Disability Insurance (DI), we would truly understand the workings --- implementations, qualifications, claiming procedures, etc.

And since many policy changes have occurred with regards to the mentioned programs, it is but necessary that we may be aware of such things. Like, what new laws are enacted which covers diability beneficiaries of the DI program? Or if you have a relative which you think may qualify for the SSI/DI, how qualified? Here, we present you with vital facts on the SSI/DI programs’ legislative changes that have occurred for the past, 20 years, between 1984 – 1999.

On the various policy revisions over the period of 1984 – 1999, these are mainly concerned on how to properly identify and analyze the beneficiaries entitled for the said programs.

The Social Security Disability Benefits Reform Act of 1984 revised the mental impairment listings for disabled workers. It also required that a combined effect of all impairments be taken into consideration when determining eligibility for disability benefits. A “medical improvement standard