The Associated Press reports that the unemployment rate among disabled Americans increased in January.
Statistics provided by the U.S. Department of Labor indicate that the jobless rate increased to 13.7 percent last month for people with disabilities, a 2 percent rise over the 11.7 percent unemployment rate reported in December 2012.
The statistics include people with disabilities over the age of 16 who do not live in institutions.
Because of the alarmingly high numbers, we cannot help but wonder how many of these people would qualify for Social Security Disability benefits if they applied.
To qualify for benefits, the Social Security Administration (SSA) requires applicants to show that they cannot do work that they use to do because of their medical conditions. Applicants also have to show that their disabilities have lasted for longer than a year or could result in death.
For more information on Social Security Disability qualifications, we suggest you visit our FAQ page.
We hope that the disabled Americans looking for work are able to find employment, while those who cannot work may qualify for Social Security Disability benefits.
If you have questions about applying for disability benefits or are unsure if you even qualify, contact a Tulsa Social Security Disability attorney. We offer free evaluations of your case, and you may reach us by phone at (918) 265-1404. Contact us today.