Brief Reforming the Disability Insurance Program Should Start Now
Subtitle
Long-Term Reform Requires Structural Change
Jonathan Schwabish
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The Social Security Disability Insurance (DI) program pays out more benefits than it collects in revenues, placing it under considerable fiscal strain. Fundamental reforms could help solidify the system’s long-term financial footing, but such reforms require in-depth research and analysis. Enacting a policy that redefines disability, for example, requires demonstration projects or pilot programs. Those types of projects take time to be designed and put in place, and their outcomes must be analyzed. With the DI trust fund projected to reach exhaustion in 2023, policymakers are wasting valuable time.

Research Areas Health and health care Aging and retirement Social safety net Disability equity policy
Tags Older workers Disability and long-term care Disability Insurance Retirement policy
Policy Centers Income and Benefits Policy Center
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