Multiple Factors Increase SSA Disability Claims

WASHINGTON, DC— Multiple factors, including the ongoing economic recession and the growing number of baby boomers who are aging and acquiring disabilities, drive a surge in Social Security disability claim applications. The Center for Active Seniors reports an up tick in inquiries from 50 to 60-year-old workers who are reaching retirement, been injured at work, and who have been laid off without health insurance.

SSA estimates it will receive 3.3 million new disability claims in the next 12 months. But will SSA be able to handle the new cases while still dealing with the unprecedented number of backlogged cases? Some officials and pundits think not, especially since California, Connecticut, Hawaii, Ohio, Oregon, Maine, Michigan, New Jersey, Nevada, and Wisconsin have initiated furloughs of employees responsible for processing initial disability claims.

In the last six months, the number of people waiting to have their claim processed rose to just under 750, 000. The trend “…isn’t good”, says SSA Commissioner Michael Astrue. According to the Associated Press, “The disability program has been the fastest rising part of Social Security, with spending on disability benefits growing at almost twice the rate of spending on retirement benefits.”

SOURCES:
Social Security Claims Surge during Recession
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5guw84_hAq02tLZCuigFPyIZg_rKwD99PIG780 Social Security Disability Claims on the Rise
http://www.kwqc.com/Global/story.asp?S=10828239&nav=menu83_2
Long Disability Backlog Getting Worse
http://www.wcpo.com/news/local/story/I-Team-Long-Disability-Backlog-Getting-Worse/aQwDWUG8_0Wt6dZ2EhSBtw.cspx
Boomers Push up Disability Claims
http://www.examiner.com/x-654-Baby-Boomer-Examiner~y2009m7d31-Boomers-push-up-disability-claims
RELATED:
The Social Security Administration
http://www.ssa.gov/