More Women are Seeking Eligibility for Social Security Disability

More Women are Seeking Eligibility for Social Security Disability

A report recently released by the U.S. National Center for Policy Analysis (NCPA) revealed how more women are receiving payouts from numerous social security disability eligibility programs, as indicated in this article excerpt by Andrea Billups on News Max.

“Women made up about 29 percent of all workers on disability in 1970. By 2000, that number had risen to 43 percent. In 2012, the last year for which government figures are available, the number was up to 48 percent, according to a report released this month by the National Center for Policy Analysis (NCPA).”

NCPA Senior Fellow, Pamela Villareal, further noted that the change spanning the years between 2000 and 2012, presented an unusual trend. The steady increase in the number of women receiving SSDI payments appear to coincide with a slump in the rate of their participation in the work force, from 60 percent in 1999 to 57.2 percent two years ago.

Villareal also pointed out that an increasing number of younger women are receiving disability benefits. During the twelve-year period, more women aged 30-34 and 35-39 were awarded paybacks than men. While a good majority of claims growth are still among the over-50 age group, the growing number of younger female beneficiaries presents society with a valid concern: the careers of younger women are being cut short because of disabilities.

As the evidence became clear in 2000, it was also found that musculoskeletal conditions were the leading cause of disability. Musculoskeletal ailments affect muscles, bones, tendons, and ligaments. Among some of the most common conditions were rheumatoid arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and tendonitis. While seldom life-threatening, such illnesses can severely impact one’s ability to do gainful work.

Fast forward to 2012, and the statistics are still not showing signs of slowing down. Among women under age 35, 13.2 percent who were awarded disability benefits, received a diagnosis of musculoskeletal disorders, outpacing male recipients who tallied at 11 percent. The largest recipients peaked among women over age 50.

Should the unexpected happen to you or someone you know, whether you’re in your 30s or 50s, the fact is one can’t be too safe from getting ill. When you’re too sick to continue with gainful employment, consult with an accredited social security disability lawyer from firms like Jan Dils to help you out.

(Source: Study: Record Number of Women Receiving Disability Payments, News Max, May 29, 2014)