Mathews v. Eldridge

Eldridge received Social Security disability benefits.

Eldridge (plaintiff) files a federal lawsuit because his disability benefits were terminated without a hearing (due process).

F. David Mathews (defendant) was the 11th US Secretary of Health and Human Services (1975 - 1977).

To act in accordance with the due process clause, is an administrative hearing necessary prior to the termination of Social Security disability benefits?

The medical report showing that Eldridge is no longer disabled is sufficient for terminating his disability benefits; Eldridge's due process rights weren't violated in the absence of a termination hearing.

The Mathews test involves

1. the private interest affected by the official action;
2. the risk of erroneous deprivation
3. the government’s interest.

This test is used when the US government deprives a person of (1) life, (2) liberty, or (3) property interest. It is the test of procedural due process.

• Section_1983_Litigation/Constitutional_Rights_Enforceable_Under_§_1983#Eldridge_Balancing