For the first time in almost 50 years, the Social Security Administration (SSA) is updating its database of occupations used to assess disability benefits. This change comes as a significant step forward in addressing outdated job classifications that have long influenced benefit decisions.
Key Changes to SSA’s Occupations List
Outdated Occupations Removed
The SSA will remove 114 obsolete job titles from its list, including roles like “barrel assembler” and “reptile farmer.” These positions are no longer relevant as they have either been replaced by technology or moved overseas. This update aims to reflect a more modern job market and ensure that disability benefit assessments are based on current employment realities.
| Job Title | Status | Reason for Removal |
|---|
| Nut Sorter | Removed | Obsolete job no longer relevant to current market |
| Magnetic Tape Winder | Removed | No longer applicable due to technological advancements |
| Dance Hall Host | Removed | Outdated role not used in modern job assessments |
| Barrel Assembler | Removed | Job replaced by machines or relocated abroad |
| Reptile Farmer | Removed | Position no longer relevant or existent |
Reason for the Update
Historically, the SSA’s Dictionary of Occupational Titles (DOT) included many outdated roles that led to benefit denials. For instance, jobs such as “nut sorter” and “magnetic tape winder” were used to claim that applicants were not disabled, even though these positions are no longer common.
Disability Pride Month and Its Significance
Celebrating Disability Pride
July marks Disability Pride Month in the US, honoring the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and celebrating the achievements and contributions of people with disabilities. The US Census Bureau reports that around 42.5 million Americans, nearly 13% of the population, live with disabilities affecting various aspects of daily life.
SSA’s Role in Supporting Disabled Americans
Since its establishment in 1935, the SSA has been vital in providing financial support to retired workers, survivors, and people with disabilities. Through the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program, millions of disabled individuals receive monthly payments to help cover their living expenses.
New Evidentiary Criteria and Future Outlook
Updated Criteria for Job Assessments
The SSA is introducing new evidentiary criteria for assessing job relevancy in disability claims. The outdated DOT list, initially published by the Department of Labor, will no longer serve as the basis for determining if applicants are capable of working in other jobs.
A Forward-Thinking Approach
Commissioner Martin O’Malley emphasized the importance of using current, relevant job data. This change aims to avoid rejecting disability applications based on jobs that are now rare or non-existent. The SSA’s goal is to make its disability determination process more accurate and reflective of today’s job market.
Community Reactions
Positive Feedback
Many disabled Americans and advocates have welcomed this update, seeing it as a much-needed improvement in the disability benefits system. They hope that this change will lead to more fair and accurate assessments of disability claims.
Ongoing Challenges
Despite the progress, some argue that the harm caused by the outdated system over the years may not be easily rectified. The SSA’s modernization efforts are seen as a step forward but not a complete fix for all past issues.
What is the recent update by the Social Security Administration (SSA)?
The SSA has updated its database by removing 114 outdated job titles that were previously used to assess disability benefits. This update is the first significant change in almost 50 years and aims to remove jobs that are no longer relevant due to technological advancements or relocation abroad.
Why did the SSA remove these outdated job titles?
The SSA removed these outdated job titles to reflect the current job market more accurately. Many of these positions, such as “barrel assembler” and “reptile farmer,” are no longer in use and were previously used to deny disability benefits based on jobs that are no longer available.
How will this update affect disability benefit applicants?
The update is expected to benefit disability benefit applicants by providing a more accurate assessment of their ability to work. With outdated job titles removed, applicants will not be unfairly denied benefits based on jobs that no longer exist or are not relevant.
