August 14, 2015 is the 80th birthday of Social Security. Social Security has grown since it was first established: in 1939, benefits for dependent survivors were added and in 1956, disability insurance benefits were added.
But today, these benefits are in jeopardy.
We can honor this important milestone by:
- Ensuring that the programs are fully funded and that no-one faces benefit cuts in 2016;
- Recognizing that for disabled folks, waiting two years for a hearing on their claim is unconscionable. What’s worse, if they try to work while waiting, they may undermine their case;
- Appreciating that the folks who are coming forward to claim their benefits deserve courtesy and kindness, not impatience and byzantine rules from the agency.
Happy Birthday Social Security!