As an update to a recent article in the Wall Street Journal discussing the worries many feel about the weakening job market, we offer more information regarding a study of how Americans may be using disability benefits as a source of unemployment income. This may shed some light onto why seeking gainful employment if you have a disability may sometimes be difficult.
The study cited in the article, conducted in April 2013 by University of California, Berkeley economist Jesse Rothstein, suggests that the rise in unemployment and disability applications is not causational but may correlate in many ways.
In his preliminary findings on the subject that we also covered in another blog post, Rothstein tested the correlation theory of whether the increase of disability filings is due to an increase in unemployment. However, by considering the unemployment rate as well as the extension and cutting of unemployment over the past few years, he found that the number of individuals seeking disability benefits has remained at a constant level and sometimes slowed.
With the understanding that unemployed individuals were not adding to the increase in applications for social security benefits, Rothstein wanted to get down to the central issue affecting this increase of individuals seeking disability benefits.
Rothstein believes his findings suggest that while people with disabilities may do well in gaining employment when the job market is in good shape, a weak job market may make it more difficult for those with disabilities to obtain employment. This leads to a significant increase in the number of individuals filing for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits in difficult job markets because they are unable to find work.
If you are having difficulties finding work in this job market and you have a disability, our firm recommends reaching out to the Office of Disability Employment Policy, a resource offered under the United States Department of Labor.
It is your right to seek SSDI or SSI benefits if you find yourself unable to work because of a disabling condition. To learn if you qualify, talk with a Tulsa Social Security disability lawyer today by calling (918) 265-1404.
Troutman & Troutman, P.C. – Tulsa Social Security disability attorneys
