Social Security Disability: Implementing the Medical Improvement Review Standard
Abstract
The Social Security Administration (SSA) administers two programs, under the Social Security Act, that provide benefits to disabled people who are unable to work: (1) Social Security Disability Insurance, under title II, and (2) Supplemental Security Income, under title XVI. Although both programs provide benefits to the disabled, each serves different populations. Social Security Disability Insurance serves those disabled, as well as their eligible dependents, who have worked and paid into the Social Security Trust Fund. Supplemental Security Income serves the disabled on the basis of need; the disabled are not required to have paid into the Social Security Trust Fund. To be eligible for disability benefits under either program, a person must be unable to engage in any substantial, gainful activity because of a medically determinable condition that can be expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. Under the act, a person must be unable to do his or her former previous work, as well as - considering age, education, and work experience - any work existing in the national economy.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 1988
- Accession Number
- ADA201005
Entities
Organizations
- United States Government Accountability Office