Managing Social Security Disability & Other Public Benefits: Development of a Guide for Consumers and Providers

Author

Stephanie L. Derochers, University of Southern Maine, Muskie School of Public Service

Date of Award

5-2013

Document Type

Capstone

Degree Name

Master of Public Policy and Management (PPM)

Department

Public Policy and Management

First Advisor

Dr. Josie LaPlante, Ph.D.

Keywords

Social Security Administration, disabilty and social security benefits, Muskie School of Public Service, USM Aging Initiative, Health and Wellness, Policy

Abstract

One in five Americans has a disability, making it the largest minority group in the U.S. (Soffer, McDonald, & Blanck, 2010). In 2011, 13.4 million working-aged adults received a disability cash benefit from the Social Security Administration (Kregel, 2012).

The Social Security Administration (SSA) is the federal agency responsible for managing, executing and overseeing retirement, survivor, old-age and disability benefits. There are over 1,500 Social Security offices and over 65,000 employees nationwide (SSA, 2013). SSA manages at least five disability benefit programs: Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Disabled Widow(er) Benefit (DWB), Childhood Disability Benefit (CDB), though the vast majority of SSA staff time is spent managing the retirement benefit system.

Recommended Citation

Derochers, Stephanie L., "Managing Social Security Disability & Other Public Benefits: Development of a Guide for Consumers and Providers" (2013). Muskie School Capstones and Dissertations. 33.
https://digitalcommons.usm.maine.edu/muskie_capstones/33