How SSA and Disability Programs Have Changed Over Time

As you may know, the Social Security Administration formed in 1935 and has continued to progress with new programs while updating their existing ones. The Social Security Administration is an umbrella to many programs that help to provide and support those who are no longer able to with programs including:

• Supplemental Security Income
• Social Security Disability Insurance
• Medicare
• Retirement
• Survivors benefits

There have been numerous amendments to the Social Security Act which has a rich history in the United States.

Historical Changes in SSA Disability Programs

The following are some historical changes the SSA has made on its disability benefits programs.

1970’s

In January 1970, Congress passed a 15% increase in disability benefits; one year later, they passed an additional 10% increase in disability benefits Soon after, Congress passed another benefit increase of 20% in 1972 as well as various other approved legislation including:

• Medicare for SSA disability beneficiaries post 24 months of receiving benefits
• Benefit extensions to disabled adult children age 18-22
• The SSI program
• Medicaid that would be provided to SSI beneficiaries

From 1974- 1977, Congress had added an 11% increase in benefits, 7% in March 1974 and 4% in June 1974, and passed automatic indexing which began in 1975. New benefit calculations were one of the numerous amendments made to the Social Security Act in 1977.

1980’s

The 1980’s was a monumental year for Social Security Disability benefit programs; various amendments were added to the Social Security Act including:

• Caps on family benefits
• Reduced primary insurance amount for young workers
• Required reviews for disability beneficiaries
• Established new work incentives

In the early 1980’s, the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act established a “mega-cap” which alleviated the differences in disability benefits for disabled workers. Disability beneficiaries were also permitted to continue receiving their benefits on a temporary basis for those who were appealing a decision. Mental impairments were finally under consideration as a primary disabling condition per review and disability standards revisions. According to the Social Security Administration, Amendments made to the Social Security Act in 1984, required the SSA to:

• Temporarily codify SSA policy on evaluating pain,
• Consider the combined effect of multiple nonsevere impairments,
• Place emphasis on evidence from treating physicians,
• Develop new criteria for adjudicating mental impairments (in place in 1986),
• Establish a “medical improvement standard” for continuing disability reviews,
• Emphasize review by a psychiatrist or psychologist of a denial involving mental impairments, and
• Make permanent the continuation of benefits during the appeal of a cessation resulting from a continuing disability review.”

Between 1986 and 1988 there were revisions made for those who would or could receive Medicare and Medicaid coverage. The Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act and the Medicare Catastrophic Coverage Act had varying requirements when receiving full Medicare and Medicaid coverage which included recipients being at 100% of the poverty threshold and having limited resources.

1990’s

Between 1996 and 1998, there was a lot of welfare reform acts which revised many aspects of the SSA disability programs. In the late 90’s, 1999 to be exact, the Ticket to Work program was passed and the SSA increased the SGA limit to $700 per month.

Future SSA Disability Program Changes

As the culture and economics of the United States change, the Social Security Administration’s disability programs will continue to adapt and update accordingly as well.