Social Security Law, Policy, and Practice

This casebook covers Social Security law and practice, including selected current policy issues related to the scope and administration of the program. The book begins with an introductory chapter that places the Social Security Act in its historical and constitutional context. It also explores the future of Social Security with a brief discussion of selected contemporary policy issues. The remainder of the book can be divided into two parts. The first part consists of chapters on the eligibility requirements for benefits, including both financial and categorical criteria. The second part focuses on Social Security practice, including the administrative appeals process and judicial review. The book touches on all of the Act's major benefit programs; however, since the vast majority of contested Social Security claims involve disability benefits, the disability programs' eligibility criteria and related policy and practice issues are discussed in greater detail.