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 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 there were roughly 250,000 new claims for Social Security Disability benefits in 1970. By 2008 though, the number had spiked to more than 900,000 new claims per year. While many believe the reason for the increase is fraudulent claims and a lazy workforce, studies have shown that an aging workforce was to blame.
Researchers claim that in 1970, many of the individuals in the generation known as baby boomers were not working. By 2008 though, these individuals had worked in the system 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 that were recorded over the past several decades.
The increase in claims has created a backlog of unprocessed cases though, which leaves many who are in need of assistance waiting long periods of time 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.
