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Panetta urges community to submit comments on Social Security rule change

Santa Cruz Sentinel - 1/24/2020

Jan. 24--SANTA CRUZ -- Rep. Jimmy Panetta (D- Carmel Valley) is urging members of the community to participate in the public comment period on a proposal that will change Social Security benefits for people with disabilities.

The proposed rule, titled "Rules Regarding the Frequency and Notice of Continuing Disability Reviews," will change regulations on when and how often the administration conducts continuing disability reviews.

These are periodic reviews of eligibility that are required to receive benefits. The changes would help to maintain "appropriate stewardship" of the disability program and identify medical improvement as early as possible, according to regulations.gov.

When a person is determined as disabled, the Social Security Administration must regularly review an individual's case to ensure he/she still meets disability eligibility requirements of the Social Security Act, according to regulations.gov.

These reviews must be completed at least once every three years, except when they are waived or disability is permanent, according to the act. The act also requires that the administration report the reviews to Congress annually.

The public comment period on the rule is open through Jan. 31, according to regulations.gov. If the Social Security Administration publishes these proposals as final rules, they would be effective until they are revised or rescinded, according to regulations.gov.

"I am concerned that some individuals subject to the review will simply be unable to navigate the process and, as a result, lose their benefits even though there is no medical improvement," Panetta said in a prepared release. "The administration should be working to strengthen this program, not make it harder for those who need it to use critical benefits. I urge community members to speak out against the administration's proposal and stand up for our community members by participating in this public comment period, which is open until January 31, 2020."

To participate in the public comment period, visit regulations.gov. People are requested to refer their comments to Docket No. SSA-2018-0026. People can also fax comments to 410-966-2830, or mail them to the Office of Regulations and Reports Clearance, Social Security Administration, 3100 West High Rise Building, 6401 Security Blvd., Baltimore, Maryland, 21235-6401. Comments are available for public viewing at regulations.gov.

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