What The Federal Budget Deal Means For Social Security Disability

On November 2, 2015, President Obama signed a new two-year budget deal into law. The signing of the law made news, both because of its bipartisan support and because it funded the federal government through fiscal year 2017. A government shutdown was avoided and the next budget bill should come after next year’s presidential election.

But It’s Not Time to Stop Talking About The 2015 Budget Deal Yet

The budget bill signed into law earlier this month impacted many different programs, including Social Security disability. According to the Washington Post, the budget:

Makes a slight change to how Social Security payroll taxes are allocated within the Social Security system. 2.37% of Social Security payroll taxes will now go to Social Security disability. That is an increase of just over one half of one percent.
Expands investigation units to identify people who should not be receiving Social Security disability.
Increases penalties for Social Security disability fraud.

Additionally, the Social Security Administration will be moving all Social Security disability recipients to electronic recordkeeping to avoid overpayments.

Without these measures, it had been anticipated that Social Security disability payments could decrease as much as 20% in 2016.

If you or someone you love receives Social Security disability benefits, it is important to stay up to date on legal developments so that you can anticipate how they may impact you. Accordingly, we encourage you to check our blog regularly for important news for Texas Social Security disability recipients and their families.

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