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PL 104-121
Public Law 104-121, commonly referred to as “Contract with
America Advancement Act of 1996” is a large, omnibus bill encompassing
many social issues. Section 105 of Title I of this bill implements
changes to Old Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance (OASDI/SSD) and
Supplemental Security Income (SSI). This paper examines the component
of Section 105 of this bill that is known as the “Denial of Disability
Benefits to Drug Addicts and Alcoholics”.
Title I: Section 105
Section 105, Denial of Disability Benefits to Drug Addicts
and Alcoholics, redefines disability to exclude individuals whose drug
or alcohol addiction (DAA) is a contributing factor to their disability.
The bill recognizes that individuals with DAA cannot work because of their
substance abuse illnesses. However, it does not recognize the individuals
as disabled.
The bill was signed into law on March 29, 1996.
Letters informing effected individuals of the passage of Section 105, Denial
of Disability Benefits to Drug Addicts and Alcoholics were sent in June
of 1996. Termination of SSI and SSD payments to these individuals
took effect on January 1, 1997 and on March 29, 1996 for new or pending
benefit applicants. |
