According to Financial Adviser, the number of Americans awarded Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) has decreased for the fourth year in a row.
The statistics come from reports provided by the Social Security Administration (SSA). According to the agency, in 2014, 412,855 claimants were approved for payments, down from 459,732 in 2013 and down almost 25 percent from 2010, which had the highest number of approvals in the history of the program.
In 2014, the average monthly payment for SSDI was $1,290 for disabled male workers and $1,032 for female workers. Men and women between the ages of 25 and 29 accounted for 1.9 percent and 1.5 percent of disabled beneficiaries who were approved, according to Financial Adviser, while the numbers increase to 27.7 percent and 26.8 percent for men and women between the ages of 60 and 64.
The statistics dismiss myths propagated by many conservative media outlets that the SSDI program has spiraled out of control. Many financial experts said that there was a spike in approval numbers several years ago, as older Americans became disabled and could no longer work.
How Can I Collect SSDI?
The SSDI process can be complex, which is why approval numbers are lowering. To receive SSDI, you must prove that your disabilities are expected to last for longer than a year and could result in death. Many people who apply for benefits do so directly through the SSA and are denied.
After an SSDI denial, many people find in beneficial to work with an attorney through the appeals process. If you have questions about SSDI eligibility requirements, you can visit our Social Security FAQ page.
