SSA Anticipates Surge in Benefits Claims

August 6, 2009

Officials in the Social Security Administration say that they expect a large increase in the number of American individuals who wish to claim disability benefits in the coming months and years. This is because the generation of the baby boomers is aging. They are expected to come out of the workforce injured, and expecting their benefits from the government.

The officials estimate that they will receive 3.3 million new claims over the next year. This number has risen from an estimate of 3 million, which was made only five months ago. The problem with this increased demand is twofold.

The first issue is that of money. In the troubled economy, the federal and state governments are trying to cut back on spending, not increase in any field. However, they may be required to allocate more funds to the SSA, and therefore, cut funding in other areas.

In addition, staffing is an issue. This causes delays in requests. Individuals may have to stretch their budgets to pay for medical expenses and cover lost wages while they wait for the government to complete the lengthy approval process.