Marc Goldwein, Committee for a Responsible Budget
My colleagues and I at the CRFB have been working on an initiative, led by former Congressmen Earl Pomeroy and Jim McCrery, to identify and put forward meaningful improvements that could be made to the SSDI program. The McCrery-Pomeroy SSDI Solutions Initiative hopes to generate the types of reforms that could accompany reallocation, interfund borrowing, or (preferably) a comprehensive Social Security reform package.
As part of the initiative, we have spoken with program experts, advocates, and practitioners of all different perspectives and ideologies. These discussions confirmed what we already knew to be the case: the SSDI program provides a vital support structure for many workers with disabilities and their families. But they also identified several areas where the program and the government could be doing better.
Last week, the SSDI Solutions Initiative issued an open call for papers, asking experts and practitioners to submit ideas to be presented at a conference next summer and published at the end of next year. Congressmen McCrery and Pomeroy will select proposals they believe will make the most constructive contribution to the debate based on the advice from an expert Advisory Council reflecting a wide range of experiences, views, and perspectives.
The McCrery-Pomeroy SSDI Solutions Initiative is now accepting proposals for papers presenting innovative ideas to improve the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) system.
DEADLINE FOR SUBMITTING PROPOSALS: November 1, 2014
The Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) Solutions Initiative is soliciting ideas to improve various aspects of the SSDI program. Proposals are due by November 1, 2014; selected papers will be presented at a conference in Washington, D.C., in mid-2015 and included in a consolidated volume to be disseminated widely and shared with policymakers and experts in advance of the SSDI trust fund's projected 2016 insolvency date.
Though all topics are welcomed, the SSDI Solutions Initiative is particularly looking for papers addressing one or more of the following topics:
- Improving the Disability Determination Process
- Modernizing Determination Criteria and Program Eligibility
- Strengthening Program Integrity and Management
- Improving Incentives and Support for Beneficiaries to Return to Work
- Encouraging Disabled Workers to Remain in the Workforce
- Improving SSDI Program Interaction with Other Federal, State, Local, and/or Private Programs
- Moving beyond the Current "All or Nothing" System of Awarding Benefits
- Encouraging Employers to Support Disabled Workers
Potential authors may submit a notice of intent to apply, along with any questions, to info@ssdisolutions.org.
Click here to read a detailed description of suggested paper topics, learn how to submit a proposal, and download a submission form.
Thanks to everyone who
Thanks to everyone who submitted proposals!
I have always believed social
I have always believed social security should be available when you hit 60 years of age. Perhaps 50 percent at 60, then it increases to the 75 percent at 62. My thoughts