Mathews v. Eldridge - Impact

Mathews v. Eldridge was often quoted in later opinions regarding the definition of due process. Powell's three factors for resolving the issue involving the constitutional sufficiency of administrative procedures before the initial termination of benefits have been relied on in other cases of this sort.

Cases challenging the termination of benefits have tried to rely on Mathews v. Eldridge. They have cited this case when desiring judicial review. This case differed from many others in that it dealt with a constitutional issue. In Califano v. Sanders (1977) the Supreme Court noted that a decision denying judicial jurisdiction in Eldridge would effectively have closed the federal forum to the adjudication of reasonable constitutional claims. Thus Eldridge merely adhered to the well-established principle that when constitutional questions are in issue, the availability of judicial review is presumed.