One of the obstacles of a program that is designed to help the public is making sure the public is aware of the program so they can seek assistance, but a recent study shows that far too many people are still unaware of Social Security’s disability programs.
A recent survey conducted by the University of Southern California’s Center for Social and Economic Research found that about 25 percent of respondents were unaware of Social Security’s disability programs. Considering research shows that about one in four Americans will become disabled before reaching retirement age, this is a significant problem. How can you apply for a program you do not know exists?
More than half the respondents were also unaware of the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program. This program provides benefits to the elderly and disabled who meet extremely low-income requirements. If half of the public is unaware of the program, it is likely many people who might qualify for desperately needed assistance never do because they do not know about SSI.
There should be undoubtable conclusions from this study. First, Social Security must do a better job of informing the public about its disability programs, and second, many more people are likely disabled than we count because they are unaware of the programs that may offer some help.
