Social Security, Disability, and Equity: New Research and What It Means for Policy
April is National Social Security Month, a perfect time to examine new research exploring the experiences of benefits specialists who assist claimants to obtain and maintain Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. Join the authors of a new report, DREDF and the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) for a timely conversation designed for advocates, policymakers, journalists, and community members.
This webinar will connect research findings to real-world policy debates. The study’s authors will break down key insights, highlight worsening systemic barriers, and outline what is at stake for equity and economic security. The discussion will focus on:
– How key findings from the research connect to current policy conversations affecting the disability community
– The implications disabled people who rely on Medicaid through SSI and SSDI. The increasing barriers to maintaining steady enrollment in SSI or SSDI benefits could lead to loss of critical healthcare services, including home and community-based services.
– How the chaos at SSA could intersect with new requirements imposed on Medicaid beneficiaries under the Trump administration’s “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” or HR 1.
– The significance of the SSI Savings Penalty Elimination Act
– How we can collectively push for a more inclusive Social Security system
Presenters:
– Katie Savin (they/them) – Asst. Prof, School of Social Work, California State University, Sacramento
– Callie Freitag (she/her) – Asst. Prof. of Social Work, University of Wisconsin-Madison
– Matthew Borus (he/him) – Asst. Prof., Department of Social Work, Binghamton University (State University of NY)
– Tracey Gronniger (she/her), Managing Director of Economic Security, Justice in Aging
– Maria Town (she/her), President and CEO, American Association of People with Disabilities
– Silvia Yee (she/her) – Policy Director, DREDF (moderator)