I just read Robert Fowler’s letter on the Opinion page today (8-15-17), in which he writes about his shame for having to apply for Social Security Disability benefits.
I represent people who are applying for Social Security Disability benefits. Mr. Fowler is like many of my clients who wish they could work, but can’t because of a serious disease or illness. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is not charity, and it’s difficult to prove you are disabled. The Social Security Administration has strict eligibility standards for receiving disability benefits: Applicants must prove not only that they have a severe disability that will last more than a year, but also that their disability leaves them unable to perform any job available in the USA — regardless of the actual availability of these jobs or whether employers will even hire workers with disabilities.
Despite headlines exaggerating the prevalence of fraudulent claims, the fraud incidence rate is less than 1%.
Many people don’t realize that any wealthy or non-wealthy person, even President Trump, who has paid FICA taxes can receive Social Security Disability Benefits if they are eligible. And I don’t think Mr. Trump would feel ashamed to claim those benefits if he were legally entitled to them. So if even the US President can apply for and receive disability benefits, Mr. Fowler should not feel ashamed to do so as well.
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