SSDI Solutions Initiative Issues Call for Papers

With the Disability Insurance trust fund running out of money in two years, time is running out to discuss a smart solution to the program's imbalance.  Earlier this month, former Congressmen Jim McCrery (R-LA) and Earl Pomeroy (D-ND) announced the formation of the SSDI Solutions Initiative to identify concrete, practical strategies for reforming the program to make it work better for beneficiaries, taxpayers, and the economy.

The SSDI Solutions Initiative took the first step toward identifying ideas to improve the SSDI program last week by issuing a call for papers, seeking ideas to improve disability insurance. Disability experts can respond to the call for papers by submitting a paper proposal by November 1. First drafts of the papers will be due April 1, 2015, and final drafts will be due on June 15, with presentations made at a conference in mid-2015. Proposals should be sent to info@ssdisolutions.org.

Authors with innovative ideas or variations on existing SSDI reform ideas are encouraged to submit their proposals. The SSDI Solutions Initiative will accept papers on a number of areas related to SSDI, but they are particularly looking at 8 different categories:

1. 1. Improving the Disability Determination Process
   2. Modernizing Determination Criteria and Program Eligibility
   3. Strengthening Program Integrity and Management
   4. Improving Incentives and Support for Beneficiaries to Return to Work
   5. Encouraging Disabled Workers to Remain in the Workforce
   6. Improving SSDI Program Interaction with Other Federal, State, Local, and/or Private Programs
   7. Moving Beyond the Current "All or Nothing" System of Awarding Benefits
   8. Encouraging Employers to Support Disabled Workers

Authors are welcome to recommend either intermediary policies or large reforms, but the Initiative requests that those proposing the latter should also suggest intermediary steps to get there.

The papers should be 10-20 pages in length and include a discussion of the problem, a description of past efforts or existing ideas for addressing it, and a presentation of the recommendations along with an analysis of its potential costs and benefits.

Those who are interested should visit the full call for papers here to see the requirements and deadlines.