2012 was yet another record for Americans collecting disability

By Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)
9/18/2012
Catholic Online (www.catholic.org)

An 8,786,049 are drawing disability insurance

New data collected by the Social Security Administration reveals that 8,786,049 American workers were collecting federal disability insurance payments this month, yet another record for the number of Americans on disability.

In August 2012, 142,101,000 Americans were working and 8,767,941 were on disability, in essence there were only 16.2 people working for each person collecting disability.

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LOS ANGELES, CA (Catholic Online) - The 8,786,049 workers taking federal disability in September is a net increase of 18,108 from the 8,767,941 workers who took federal disability the month previously in August.

The number of American workers taking federal disability payments has increased four-fold over the past 45 years, relative to the number actually working.

In August of 1967, 74,767,000 Americans were working and 1,152,861 were taking federal disability insurance. That means that at that time there were about 65 Americans working for each worker collecting disability.

In August 2012, 142,101,000 Americans were working and 8,767,941 were on disability, in essence there were only 16.2 people working for each person collecting disability.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, a record 88,921,000 Americans were "not in the labor force" in August. These figures included Americans who were at least 16 years old, who were not in the military or in an institution such as a prison or a nursing home, and who did not have a job - or had not actively sought one in the last four weeks.

According to the BLS, only 63.5 percent of the civilian population in August, i.e., those over 16, who were not in the military or in an institution participated in the labor force, the lowest level of labor force participation in 31 years. To participate in the labor force a person must either have a job or at least be actively trying to find one.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, a person is considered to have a work disability if one or more of the following conditions are met:

1. Identified by the March supplement question "Does anyone in this household have a health problem or disability which prevents them from working or which limits the kind or amount of work they can do?"

2. Identified by the March supplement question AIs there anyone in this household who ever retired or left a job for health reasons?"

3. Identified by the core questionnaire as currently not in the labor force because of a disability.

4. Identified by the March supplement as a person who did not work at all in the previous year because of illness or disability.

5. Under 65 years old and covered by Medicare in previous year.

6. Under 65 years old and received Supplemental Security Income (SSI) in previous year.

7. Received VA disability income in previous year.

� 2012, Catholic Online. Distributed by NEWS CONSORTIUM.

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General Intention: The Faith of Christians. That in this Year of Faith Christians may deepen their knowledge of the mystery of Christ and witness joyfully to the gift of faith in him.
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Keywords: Disability, jobmarket, qualification, U.S. Census Bureau

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1 - 2 of 2 Comments

JayKaye
8 months ago
The people we see going on the "disability programs" the government has in place are a direct result of the de-unionization that has taken place over the past 4 decades; along with moving many of the jobs founded in America overseas. There is a direct correlation between the number and/or percentage increases of disabled and what has become deplorable working conditions in many US sweatshops, mostly, whom have gone out of business over the same timeline (above). Times have changed in the US workplace. the 70's still had humane employers, who for example: Would tell an obviously ill worker to go home to bed, when seen on the job. Today employers demand perfect attendance, if well enough to crawl out of your bed, you can make it to work, doing your job with the same efficiency, is common.
I have lived these changes during these times, working in manufacturing most of my life. Things are very different today, and as long as profit take precedence over people and humanitarian gestures towards their workers, the conglomerates and small business owners will continue to find ways to increase profits and the expense of the well being of the worker, the workers income, health will continue to fall. Sure, a worker is injured and will continue to work, to pay the mortgage and put food on the table. Medical help is often not an option for some with poor or no insurance coverage. It is expected that you work around injuries until you cannot stand up. We are the new breed of "government sucking" commonly called being "disabled". Made in the USA
vance
8 months ago
Great informative article. Millions are getting on the "Handicapped" dole who are NOT handicapped. Nobody argues that people in wheelchairs and crutches should receive some help. Nobody argues that people with downs syndrome, cerebral palsy, brain damage that impairs body functions should be taken care of. No argument against people who are elderly over age 65 should receive help. HOWEVER, we have able bodied and minded people who are on the dole because they claim to be bi-polar, depressed, or schizophrenic or have some phobia are now being added to the ranks of the disabled. This is of course at the command of Obama and the Party of Death and Deceit. We need to get back to biblical standards- "If you do not work, you do not eat".

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