There are whisperings and rumors that the Social Security system is going to go bankrupt in 2010. Is this true? Is Social Security really at risk? And if it is, what is going to happen to Social Security Disability benefits? Before you panic and assume that your monthly Social Security Disability benefits are going to stop coming, there are some things you need to know.
The news has always been filled with doomsday reports, whether those reports involve the Mayan calendar and the end of the world or the inevitable crash of the Social Security system. Just how accurate are these reports in terms of people losing their Social Security Disability benefits? While it is true that the Social Security Administration is facing some challenges, it doesn't mean that your Social Security Disability check isn't going to come next month.
The first thing you need to understand is that while Social Security is facing some serious financial issues, your benefits aren't going anywhere any time soon. Those rumors you have heard about Social Security going bankrupt in 2010 and Social Security Disability benefits being stopped? It's not going to happen. No matter what anyone has told you, the chances of Social Security Disability benefits being stopped this year, or even next year, are slim to none.
Is the Bankruptcy Myth a Lie?
There is some truth to the bankruptcy record, but it's not going to happen in 2010. If measures aren't taken to address Social Security's issues, then it is estimated that the program will go bankrupt sometime in 2037. Of course that date can change, being moved forward or moved back, but it is highly unlikely that tomorrow we will wake up to headlines stating that Social Security has gone bankrupt and that Social Security Disability benefits won't be sent out.
So where do these rumors come from? If Social Security Disability benefits aren't at risk, why are people insisting that the system is in shambles and benefits are being stopped?
The Small Seed of Truth
There are a few reasons for the rumors surrounding Social Security Disability benefits. First are all of the grumblings about the financial issues that Social Security is facing. Yes, Social Security is in trouble. Yes, something needs to be done about it. No, you will not lose your benefits tomorrow or even next year – unless you fall into a certain group of people.
Part of the reason that rumors about Social Security Disability have skyrocketed is because of a recent refugee issue. Earlier this year nearly 4,000 letters were sent out to refugees notifying them that their Social Security Disability benefits would be ending. This is not, however, due to a lack of funds in the Social Security System. These letters were sent out due to the fact these refugees no longer qualify for Social Security Disability benefits.
According to law, in order for a refugee to continue receiving Social Security Disability benefits, that refugee must become a United States citizen within 7 years of arriving to the country. If these refugees do not become citizens within that time period, then they will no longer receive SSI benefits. It has nothing to do with the Social Security system failing. Social Security could have an excess as this point in time and these refugees would have received the very same letters.
This recent development, combined with reports of Social Security's financial woes, have many people worried that their own Social Security Disability benefits are at risk. The fact of the matter is that Social Security Disability benefits are not going anywhere – at least not for the short term.
If the Social Security system does go bankrupt, it likely will affect Social Security disability benefits, but not for another 20 years or so and even then, it is highly unlikely that benefits will be eliminated altogether. Most likely, recipients would experience benefit cuts.
Social Security reform is definitely in order, and plans do need to be made to address future Social Security Disability concerns. If, however, you have been worried that you won't be able to pay your bills next month due to your benefits disappearing, you can rest assured. Your Social Security Disability benefits aren't going anywhere just yet.
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