By Michael Mattison Editor’s Note: The Social Security Administration was not immune to COVID-19. Like every other aspect of life that changed with the pandemic, the SSA needed to pivot in order to serve the public. While this was a daunting task, the organization transitioned into an almost entirely remote workforce over the span of…
By Steve Perrigo Editor’s Note: The far-reaching effects of a global virus mean employees with disabilities need Social Security Disability Insurance benefits more than ever. Thankfully, awareness is growing. Significant health impacts halted work for many American workers – some estimates reach 11 million – and it’s leading to a search for answers. The…
Author: Marquis Smallwood, vice president of Workforce Engagement at MetLife Editor’s Note: As open enrollment season rolls around on the heels of another challenging pandemic year, many employees are looking at their employer benefits through a new lens. This is particularly true of millennial employees. A new MetLife survey found nearly two-thirds (64 percent)…
Editor’s Note: In this latest installment of The CDA’s ongoing research series, Fred Schott, director of operations and research, provides a summary of findings from the Current Population Survey on the connections among occupations, availability of remote work, and absence. These findings were presented during September 2021, to the National Association of Supplemental Benefit Insurance 2021…
By LeighAnn Jarry Editor’s Note: Employers seeking to expand their workforce are encountering challenges due to the tight labor market. Despite offering generous benefits and higher compensation, it is difficult to find employees. But there is a virtually untapped pool of applicants – people with disabilities. Now is exactly the right time for employers to…
By Tracey Ferstler, PhD, Head of Return to Health, Global Claims, MetLife COVID turned the world as we know it upside down, and people who work in and around absence management and disability insurance are looking for answers on what’s next. Will we return to normal or is this our new normal? What is unique…
As much as all of us just want the pandemic to go away, the COVID-19 variants have added more complications to consider. Among these are the ways we can go about keeping individuals with disabilities and vulnerabilities safe as the variants spread. At this point, over half of Americans have been vaccinated, but unfortunately,…
By Fred Schott Editor’s Note: In this fourth installment in The Council for Disability Awareness’ research mini-series, Fred Schott reviews the state of American adults’ mental health during the last quarter of 2020. I’ve always been interested in the topic of mental health, but never has it been more interesting to follow than during the…
By Ted Norwood and Michael Mattison President Biden fired the Social Security Administration Commissioner Andrew Saul on Friday, July 9, 2021. President Trump appointed Saul in 2019 for a six-year term, set to end in 2025. Biden has not nominated a new Commissioner. He appointed Kilolo Kijakazi as Acting Commissioner. Why did President Biden…
For decades, asset limits have presented difficulties for individuals with disabilities. These limitations across public assistance programs often lock individuals out of better opportunities. In the face of the coronavirus and its devastating economic consequences, these limitations have been particularly troubling. For example, 60.5% of households where a person with a disability resides are considered…
