The Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program is a safety net for disabled workers who are no longer able to continue to work at a Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) level. A new poll conducted by a research firm indicates that most Americans believe the SSDI program is important and they don’t want to see cuts made to the program or even considered as part of potential federal budget cuts.
The SSDI program is not a welfare program. The payments disabled workers receive from this program are based on the Social Security taxes they have paid their entire life while they were able to work. Just as retired workers receive Social Security benefits they are due, SSDI recipient payments are based on what they have paid into the system. To qualify for payments you must prove you are disabled and that you will be unable to work at an SGA level for at least 12 consecutive months.
The National Organization of Social Security Claimants’ Representatives (NOSSCR) commissioned a survey about what Americans thought about the SSDI program. The results are clear that Americans support the program and want it around if they ever need it.
Poll Results
- Eighty percent of respondents support the SSDI program.
- Eighty three percent of respondents believe it would be unfair to cut SSDI benefits for those who have paid into the system.
- Seventy seven percent of respondents believe Congress should look elsewhere to cut the federal budget and leave the SSDI program intact.
- Only eight percent of all respondents believe the SSDI program should face cuts.
About the Poll
The poll was conducted by Lincoln Park Strategies, an independent research firm. The poll sampled 1,001 adult Americans who were interviewed between September 29 and October 2, 2012. The poll consisted of 530 women and 471 men. Of those polled, 401 considered themselves conservative, 351 considered themselves moderate and 192 considered themselves liberal.
To learn more about the poll and the results visit the following link: http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/poll-overwhelming-majority-of-american-voters-support-social-security-disability-insurance-benefits-program-173677551.html
