You may have heard in the news or read online about recent “attacks” on Social Security. Unfortunately, this Congress has created a situation where benefit cuts to Social Security disability benefits are a real possibility.
On January 6, 2015, the House of Representatives adopted its rules of procedure for the 114th Congress. Included in these rules was a provision that created requirements that bar the House from making a “reallocation” between the Social Security Disability Trust Fund and the Old-Age Trust fund. This reallocation would increase a portion of the payroll tax percentages allocated to the Disability Trust Fund. Without this reallocation, Social Security Disability Insurance recipients will face a benefit cut of 20% at the end of 2016.
Reallocation should not be a controversial issue. Over the last five decades, Congress has reallocated funds between the two trust funds 11 times. This has always been done on a bipartisan approach without fanfare. This Congress, however, has provided rules that bar this reallocation without accompanying cuts to Social Security coverage, eligibility or benefits.
The White House and House Democrats have voiced their strong opposition to this procedure. They have asked for a “clean” reallocation as has been done so many times in the past. If you are concerned about cuts to Social Security disability benefits and the harm it would do to the most vulnerable members of our society, we suggest you contact your Congressional representative and express your displeasure.
