The Senate is considering building highways in South Dakota on the backs of the disabled, the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)/Unemployment Compensation offset is again being considered in the Senate this time as a way to pay for Highways.
Last week before the 4th of July Legislative recess Holiday, the Senate Finance Committee started legislation to deal with a hole in the Highway Trust Fund (PATH Act). “ Senator Thune (R-SD) had filed two amendments that include proposals to partially pay for the Highway Trust Fund fix by cutting benefits for people who receive SSDI and Unemployment Insurance (UI) concurrently.” This is being reported by NOSSCR, a Social Security Claimant’s organization. “Senator Thune’s proposal would deem that an individual has performed Substantial Gainful Activity in any month the person receives UI. This would mean no month in which a person receives UI could count as a waiting period month; an SSDI claimant receiving UI would be denied at step one; and it would substantially delay access to both SSDI and Medicare for workers with disabilities. Because a claimant’s SSDI onset date could not be set during the receipt of unemployment benefits, an individual would be forced to choose between receipt of UI or an earlier disability onset date. “ NOSSCR stated.
Because of the July 4th Congressional recess, no votes have been held. Finance Committee Republicans, led by Senator Thune, asked Chairman Wyden (D-OR) for more time to finalize the proposal and generate additional support. The markup is scheduled to resume the week of July 7th.
This is an inappropriate use of Social Security Trust Fund dollars, although funding the Highway Trust Fund is a way for the country to get back on economic stability and renovate and create much needed public infrastructure, however it is poor public policy to use SSDI as a “pay for” road projects. Traditionally when politicians use SSDI trust fund dollars they are as a loan to other accounts in government (ie roads, defense etc) but this proposal is to take money directly from disabled people for months that they are disabled and use that money to pave South Dakota.
As a disability attorney in Nebraska, South Dakota and Iowa, I represent clients with numerous disabilities. I answer their questions, help them with the claim process and represent them at their hearing. This question of Unemployment benefits offset if implemented will need assistance from a knowledgeable representative. If you or a loved one has been denied benefits, contact me 1-800-342-3352. The consultation is always free and can be done in my office or over the phone.
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