The National Organization of Social Security Claimants’ Representatives (NOSSCR) has issued a press release in response to the news that Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) awards are declining.
As we reported last month, according to the Social Security Administration (SSA), more than 10.1 million people were paid disability benefits under the SSDI program in 2012, 2.5 percent of whom were disabled widows or widowers.
From the NOSSCR press release about the decrease in growth:
In addition, a new study confirms that growth in the number of people receiving Social Security Disability Insurance over the past four decades is due almost entirely (90 percent) to demographic factors – population growth, the aging of the baby boom generation into high-disability years and the entry of women in the workforce in greater numbers in the 1970s and 1980s, so that more are insured for benefits. More recently, these factors account for 94 percent of the growth in the program from 1990 – 2008. Another factor contributing to the growth is the increase in the Social Security retirement age.
“Too many misleading, sensationalized reports are aiming to paint Social Security Disability Insurance in a negative light, when in reality, the facts tell a truly positive story,” Barbara Silverstone, executive director of the NOSSCR said. “Growth in the number of Disability Insurance beneficiaries was long expected because of the aging of the baby boomers, among other demographic factors. Now we’re seeing that trend reverse as the baby boomers age into retirement.”
I am Disabled and Cannot Work
In order to obtain SSDI benefits, a person may be required to schedule a consultative examination with a doctor. Keep in mind, only in cases of severe disabilities are benefits awarded after an initial application. SSDI is not an entitlement program. People who collect benefits pay into the system and must have earned worked credits.
If you have questions about an application for disability benefits, do not hesitate to contact our Tulsa Social Security disability lawyers for a free evaluation of your case. You may also reach us by phone at (918) 265-1404.
Troutman & Troutman, P.C. – Tulsa Social Security disability lawyers
