Stricter eligibility standards have led to a decreasing number of new applications for Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits according to the Social Security Administration (SSA). A full article detailing the issue appears here.
Last year, fewer than 1.5 Million U.S. citizens applied to the Social Security Administration for SSD benefits—the lowest number of applicants reported since 2002. According to current numbers, the reversal of a decades-old trend continues. The SSA pins declining numbers on several key factors:
- Baby Boomers at retirement age are leaving the system
- A tighter application process results in fewer approvals
- Better job numbers bring more jobs for the disabled
Per those who study these trends, the Social Security Administration has made the application process for benefits harder—and has closed 67 field offices since 2010. The effects quickly became apparent when SSA tightened standards for disability claims. The odds of filing a successful appeal fell from 69 percent in 2008 to 48 percent in 2015.
In September of 2014, 8.96 Million Americans received disability benefits—dropping down to 8.63 Million in May of 2018. This sharply contrasts disability roles that have more than doubled within the past 25 years.
We Can Help
If you are disabled and unable to work, call Disability Attorneys of Michigan for a free confidential consultation. We’ll let you know if we can help you get a monthly check and help you determine if any money or assets you receive could impact your eligibility for disability benefits.
Disability Attorneys of Michigan works hard every day helping the disabled of Michigan seek the disability benefits they need. If you are unable to work due to a physical, mental or cognitive impairment call Disability Attorneys of Michigan now for a free consultation at 800-949- 2900.
Let Michigan’s leading social security disability law firm help you get the benefits you deserve.
Disability Attorneys of Michigan, Compassionate Excellence.