Social Security Administration Drops Outdated Jobs From Database, Helping More Disabled People Qualify

Social Security Administration is dropping 114 obsolete jobs from its database to improve disability benefit qualifications, benefiting millions.

Today, the Social Security Administration (SSA) unveiled a major change to its disability benefits assessment process, potentially expanding eligibility for a wider pool of individuals.

Obsolete Jobs Database Under Scrutiny

One of the key modifications involves the overhaul of the outdated jobs database utilized by the SSA to evaluate an applicant's capacity to engage in alternative employment. The current database, last updated in 1977, has drawn criticism for its inclusion of numerous obsolete occupations, such as reptile farmer, railroad telegrapher, and watch repairer.

In response to mounting concerns, the SSA has announced the removal of 114 obsolete occupations from the database, encompassing over 12,000 job types. Notably, these eliminations aim to prevent the agency's adjudicators from employing defunct occupations as evidence to deny disability benefits.

Broad Impact on Disability Programs

This pivotal development will impact both the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) programs. SSDI provides assistance to individuals unable to work due to a medical condition expected to endure at least one year, or resulting in death. Meanwhile, SSI caters to disabled individuals with limited incomes.

Government Accountability Office Assessment

The SSA's disability programs, alongside those of the Department of Veterans Affairs, have been flagged as "high risk" by the Government Accountability Office. This designation reflects the programs' susceptibility to fraud, waste, abuse, and the need for comprehensive reforms based on an April study by the GAO.

Following the announcement, legal experts and advocates have expressed optimism for the change. Anansi Wilson, a law professor at the Mitchell Hamline School of Law, described the reform as "huge," particularly beneficial for disabled individuals, particularly those from marginalized communities.

Impacted Occupations

Some of the jobs slated for removal from the SSA's database include:

  • Canary breeder
  • Character impersonator
  • Directory assistance operator
  • Historian of the dramatic arts
  • Motion-picture projectionist
  • News wire-photo operator
  • Radiotelegraph operator
  • Reptile farmer
  • Watch repairer

Revised Employment Consideration

With the removal of these outdated jobs, the SSA aims to refine its assessment criteria, prioritizing only the most relevant and contemporary occupations when determining the employment potential of disability benefit applicants.

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