In 2010, the number of Social Security disability applicants was at an all time high at 2.9 million people applying for disabled worker benefits. However, since then there has been a decrease every year. In 2015, there were 508,355 fewer applicants for disabled than in 2010. And, in 2016, the trend seems to continue. As of the end of the third quarter 2016, there were over 57,000 fewer applications than in the same period of 2015.

Because of fewer claims altogether along with lower percentage of claims having a favorable decision that awards benefits, longer processing times, and an uptick in the number of people going off disability due to Continuing Disability Reviews, the total number of people in current pay status for SSDI benefits is also decreasing. And, this number is also affected by the number of baby boomers in their early 60’s that are now transitioning from disability benefits to retirement benefits.

If you are under the impression that more and more people are on disability, the stats don’t support this.

If you have questions about your application for disability or if you have received notice of a Continuing Disability Review, please feel free to contact the disability attorneys at (850) 795-4979.