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Social Security: Major Changes Needed for Disability Benefits for Addicts

HEHS-94-128 Published: May 13, 1994. Publicly Released: May 13, 1994.
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Highlights

Pursuant to a congressional request, GAO reviewed the effectiveness of Social Security Administration (SSA) controls over disability payments made to drug addicts and alcoholics.

Recommendations

Matter for Congressional Consideration

Matter Status Comments
Congress should consider expanding the treatment requirement to all addicts and restructuring the DA&A program to improve the payoff from treatment.
Closed – Implemented
In August 1994, Congress extended the treatment requirement to SSA's Disability Insurance Program for those whose addiction is material to the finding of disability. Congress also limited benefit payments to such addicts for 36 months.

Recommendations for Executive Action

Agency Affected Recommendation Status
Department of Health and Human Services The Secretary of Health and Human Services should direct the Commissioner of Social Security to strengthen controls over disability benefits paid to addicts by: (1) establishing referral and monitoring agencies (RMA) in all states; (2) taking appropriate measures to ensure that all DA&A recipients are in treatment and accounted for and monitored as required; (3) requiring all addicts receiving SSI and Disability Insurance benefits to have representative payees; and (4) using organizational payees for addicts to the maximum extent possible and considering making RMA representative payees.
Closed – Not Implemented
On March 29, 1996, President Clinton signed Public Law 104-121, which terminates DI and SSI benefits to drug addicts and alcoholics as of January 1, 1997, effectively nullifying the GAO recommendation.

Full Report

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Topics

Substance abuseSubstance abuse treatmentDisability benefitsSubstance abuseSubstance abuse treatmentEligibility criteriaIncome maintenance programsInternal controlsQuestionable paymentsRehabilitation programsSocial security benefitsSupplemental security income