Laid-Off Workers Turn to SSDI

WASHINGTON, Sept. 14 (UPI) -- The number of applications for Social Security disability grew 21 percent between 2008 and 2009 as the U.S. economy slumped, officials say.

By June 2010, the number of people collecting SSDI benefits had grown to 8 million, up 12.6 percent from 2007, The Washington Post reported Monday.

About half of the applicants are approved to receive benefits. The Social Security Administration says with the growth in applications, the appeals process can take two years for those who are turned down.

A 1.8 percent payroll tax finances SSDI. Officials say the trust fund could be in trouble by 2018 if the growth in recipients continues.

Social Security Commissioner Michael J. Astrue said "older workers who are very much on the margins" are often the first to lose their jobs when the economy sours.

"They can't find any new work and they are desperate," he said. "So they have every incentive to try and get in the program."

Paul W. Nolan, a lawyer in Baltimore who represents applicants for SSDI, said many people come to him when their unemployment is exhausted. He said that in bad times "the economy is less forgiving of disabilities."

Tags: employment news, unemployment

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