Over the past several decades, the number of Social Security Disability benefit recipients has swelled. The Social Security Disability Lawyers with Newlin Disability explain the rise, which has prompted many experts to look into the cause of the increase in disability claims and what effects the increase in claims numbers has had on the program.
An article from the LA Times states that roughly 250,000 new claims for Social Security Disability benefits were made in 1970. By 2008, though, the number had spiked to more than 900,000 new claims yearly. While many believe the increase is due to fraudulent claims and a lazy workforce, studies have shown that an aging workforce is to blame.
Researchers claim that in 1970, many individuals in the generation known as baby boomers were not working. By 2008, though, these individuals had worked in the system for several decades and were beginning to reach an age where disabling injuries occur more frequently. This accounted for almost 90 percent of the increase in Social Security Disability Claims recorded over the past several decades.
The increase in claims has created a backlog of unprocessed cases, which leaves many who need assistance waiting long periods for their claim to be approved. That’s why the attorneys with Newlin Disability suggest discussing your case with an attorney if you are considering applying for such benefits.