With the presidential election in full swing, one of our top priorities is the status of Social Security Disability laws in the United States. As we all know, presidential candidates are prone to over-promising and under-delivering – and our nation’s benefits system is no exception. As the pool of possible presidents continues to dwindle, let’s take a look at each of the four remaining candidate’s public statements or stances on the issue of Social Security Disability, as well as a cursory look into how each candidate could impact the system post-election day.
1: Hilary Clinton: Hillary Clinton has not shied away from frankly discussing her plans with regard to Social Security. Consistently, Clinton has rebutted the notion of privatizing Social Security, citing the inherent risk of the market – which beneficiaries should not be required to endure. Further, Clinton is devoted to ensuring the nation’s more vulnerable populations have access to benefits first, particularly given the actuarial data suggesting the available cash for Social Security retirement and disability programs could possibly dry up by 2034.
2: Donald Trump: Most notably, Donald Trump has been an outspoken critic of fraudulent disability filings, which hurt the system overall and waste precious resources for those who are truly in need of support. He was quoted as stating that “between 2005 and 2009, it is estimated that $25 billion were eaten up in fraudulent Social Security Disability Insurance filings. On and on, scam after scam it goes; as always, taxpayers are the ones getting stiffed.”
3: Bernie Sanders: As one of the more outspoken supporters of Social Security benefits, Sanders has made fighting for disability rights one of his key platforms throughout the election. More specifically, he has vowed to:
- Protect and expand the Social Security Disability Income (SSDI) program.
- Increase employment and educational opportunities for people with disabilities
- Fight for the U.S. ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons With Disabilities
As Senator, Sanders is quoted as saying “[t]he Americans with Disabilities Act established a clear national mandate that we as a nation have a moral responsibility to ensure that all Americans have access to the programs and the support needed to contribute to society, live with dignity, and achieve a high quality of life.”
4: Ted Cruz: Texas Senator Ted Cruz has advocated what he calls “common sense reforms” to the current Social Security system. Notably, he has advocated for raises in disability benefits to meet the rate of inflation. From there, Cruz has not made much public mention of his intentions with regard to disability benefits, and has not raised the issue in a significant way along the campaign trail.
If you are concerned about your benefits and would like to speak to a reputable attorney in Arizona, please contact Roeschke Law today: 1-800-975-1866.