National Council on Disability Report on Reforming Social Security Disability

From Work to Include's January Newsletter

The National Council on Disability (NCD), an independent federal agency, released the agency’s latest report “Securing the Social Contract: Reforming Social Security Disability.” This report analyzes various proposals for SSI and SSDI reform with an emphasis on Medicaid policy and increasing opportunities for people with disabilities to work.  In addition, the report identifies measures that could move people currently utilizing SSI/SSDI into the workforce and decrease the use of these benefits for sole income. Recommendations include modernizing the definition of disability and improving workplace access and accommodations for people with disabilities in a multitude of ways, including decoupling health care benefit and cash benefit eligibility; providing wraparound health benefits; improving the examination, planning, and gradual phase-in of a revised disability definition for benefit eligibility; ensuring management proficiency, early intervention, and improved federal collaboration efforts; identifying ways to boost work incentives; implementing evidence-based practices that address youth and people with mental health needs among vulnerable groups; and reviewing state supplemental systems.