SOCIAL SECURITY COLUMN

Aug. 1 marked the 60th anniversary of the Social Security Disability Insurance program, signed into law by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1956. Originally, the program was limited to individuals who were age 50 or older. It also had a six-month waiting period, and no benefits were payable to spouses or children.

The disability program has undergone many changes to become the program it is today. Now, people who receive Social Security disability benefits can also receive Medicare coverage after 24 months, and their dependents may be eligible to receive benefits on their earnings records. Work incentives also are in place to help people with disabilities go back to work.

As of June, more than 10 million disabled workers and dependents were receiving a portion of the more than $11 billion sent each month in Social Security disability payments.

It can happen to anyone; studies show that a 20-year-old worker has a 1-in-4 chance of becoming disabled before reaching his or her full retirement age.

To meet the challenges of providing benefits to so many, the agency has evolved, using technology to operate more efficiently.

Access to online applications for disability benefits, reconsiderations and hearings have given applicants more service options when applying for benefits. Our health IT initiative allows Social Security to access electronic medical records, including those from the U.S. Department of Defense, which reduces administrative costs, streamlines operations, and speeds up service to veterans.

Social Security is committed to securing today and tomorrow for our millions of disabled workers. For more information about the disability program, visit www.socialsecurity.gov/disabilityssi.

Vonda VanTil is the public affairs specialist for West Michigan. You may write her c/o Social Security Administration, 3045 Knapp NE, Grand Rapids MI 49525, or email vonda. vantil@ssa.gov.