3% of the US population receiving disability payments? How is that possible?

Favorite Answer

Blind people are automatically qualified for disability as are many defects from the time of birth.These people are a much larger group than you might imagine.Children born with spinal disease,mental retardation,deafness and many countless physical disabilities.Arthritis takes a great told on those who have it in advanced stages.I am disabled with a spinal disease of the spine called Angliosing spondolitis,as well as diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis.To look at me I look just fine.I can drive and do most things inmoderation.But I cannot stand or sit for to long.The pain is something I would not wish on anyone.Most people who recieve these benefits are trully disabled,but in any case there will be those who seek to cheat the system.But we must remmember that these benefits are only recieved if you have paid into the social security system.If your employment history does not allow you to qualify for SSDI you can seek aid through medicade.To get medicade you must be poor.You can't have any money in the bank,and cannot own cars and property other than the bare minimum.Being disabled is not a prize.I paid into the social security for 35 years without interuption.I went to work full time at 17 and never missed one weeks pay until the pain and imobility forced me to stop working.My doctor told me you must stop working and recommended I seek disability benefits to support myself.At the time I stoped working my take home pay was $5900 permonth.My benefits are $1363 per month and I am greatful for what I get.Disabilty enables me to survive,but in no way is the way I and many others would choose to live.Good luck to you.P.S.If you want some first hand experience visit your local childrens hospital or look at those devasted in the orthopidic wing.I lived in one for some time and saw more sufferring than I ever imagined.Good luck to you....Show more

Here is a scenario that is all too common. I knew a girl who didn't have insurance but was confirmed, while going through Medical Assistant training, that she possibly had diabetes. She neglected seeing a doctor about it because she couldn't afford to. She stepped on a nail that punctured her foot and the wound never healed. (Diabetic patients have major issues with their feet and lower legs) The wound became gangrenous and by the time she was able to see a doctor after getting insurance through her new employer, her leg had become so infected it had to be amputated just below the knee. Boom! On disability!

Now had she had insurance, she probably could have been treated and not lost her leg.

THIS is why we have the Affordable Care Act. Majority of our healthcare costs are due to people waiting until something catastrophic happens before they seek care and many could be kept off the disability dole if only they could see a doctor when they have minor issues....Show more

I thought it was higher than that.

When someone has a better answer than "let everyone suffer and die unless they have money" or "give money to people who are poor because they don't feel like going to work", let me know. There has to be a better way. I'm almost liking the Eva Peron method (ask the first lady for a donation--if she thinks you deserve it, the government gives you money, if she doesn't you're out of luck). If nobody can make rules that work, then maybe we need a judge instead....Show more

Your answer is at http://money.cnn.com/2013/04/11/news/economy/disability-payments/

Some of the biggest sources of disability are our aging population and injuries to our soldiers in Afghanistan and Iraq....Show more

Why does that suprise you? Do you consider it too low? Too high? What? Do you have some statistics from other countries perhaps that are relevant?

Really, what is your issue?...Show more