Morrell v. Harris

OPINION

JOSEPH S. LORD, III, Chief Judge.

I. Introduction

This proposed class action challenges the defendant’s policy on cost-of-living increases in Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. Defendant does not apply the automatic cost-of-living increase provided by law to the disputed benefit amounts SSI recipients receive pending hearings on proposed reductions, suspensions, or terminations of their benefits.

Plaintiff is a recipient of SSI disability benefits under 42 U.S.C. § 1381 et seq. In December of 1979, the Social Security Administration notified Morrell that she was no longer…