The U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA) has removed a Carter-era rule that makes lacking proficiency in English a factor when determining who qualifies to receive federal disability benefits.
From April 27 the SSA will no longer consider a person’s “inability to communicate in English” when reviewing applications, for both Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits.
“It is important that we have an up-to-date disability program,” Saul said. “The workforce and work opportunities have changed and outdated regulations need to be revised to reflect today’s world.”
Under the 1978 English rule, on the assumption that it’s impossible for someone who is older than 45 and speaks no or poor English to switch to any desk job, the SSA might approve the disability benefits application.
“The purpose of this final rule is not to save money or to make it more difficult for individuals to qualify for disability benefits,” the SSA replied to a public comment questioning the intention of the new regulation. “Rather, we anticipate that this final rule will allow us to better assess the vocational impact of an individual’s education on their ability to work in the contemporary work environment.”
It is important to note that being unable to communicate in English itself has never been considered a disability. It has been, however, a factor that might increase the chances of approval for federal disability benefits for those who already have severe physical or mental disabilities.