Disability Statistics
Disability is more common than you think, it can happen to anyone:
- According to the United States Census Bureau, over 51 million Americans are classified as disabled.
"Americans With Disabilities: 2002," U.S. Bureau of the Census, May 2006
- A disabling injury occurs every two seconds.
National Safety Council, Injury Facts 2004 Ed.
- Three in 10 workers entering the work force today will become disabled before retiring.
Social Security Administration, Fact Sheet 2007
- Over 6.8 million workers are receiving Social Security Disability benefits, almost half are under age 50.
Social Security Administration, Fact Sheet 2007
Disability often keeps people out of work:
- An illness or accident will keep 1 in 5 workers out of work for at least a year during their working careers.
U.S. Census Bureau, December 1997
- One in 7 workers can expect to be disabled for five years or more before retirement
"Commissioners Disability Table, 1998," Health Insurance Association of America, the New York Times, February 2000
- The average long-term disability absence lasts 2.5 years.
Commissioner’s Individual Disability Table A
Disability can cause financial hardship:
- Two-thirds of American families live from paycheck to paycheck.
Parade Magazine, Is the American Dream Still Possible?, April 23, 2006
- Unexpected illnesses and injuries cause 350,000 personal bankruptcies each year.
"Illness and Injury as Contributors to Bankruptcy," Health Affairs, February 2, 2005
- Disability causes nearly 50% of all mortgage foreclosures, 2% are caused by death.
Health Affairs, The Policy Journal of the Health Sphere, 2 February 2005
Most American workers can't afford to become disabled:
- Over 70% of working Americans do not have enough savings to meet short-term emergencies.
National Investment Watch Survey, A.G. Edwards Inc. 2004
- According to the Federal Reserve, 44% of U.S. families spend more than they earn.
Federal Reserve Board, Survey of Consumer Finances 2004
- For the average American household, the savings rate is negative, the lowest since 1933, and credit card debt is at an all-time high - $9,300.
Parade Magazine, Is the American Dream Still Possible?, April 23, 2006
- Over 50% of the workforce has no private pension coverage and a third have no retirement savings.
Social Security Administration, Fact Sheet 2007
Social Security and Workers' Compensation may not be adequate:
- Over 90% of disabling accidents and illnesses are not work related.
National Safety Council, Injury Facts 2004 Ed.
- The average monthly Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefit is $1,004.
Social Security Administration, Fact Sheet 2008
- Less than half - 39% - of the 2.1 million workers who applied for SSDI benefits in 2005 were approved.
Social Security Administration, Office of
Disability and Income Security Programs
Most American workers are not covered by disability insurance:
- Over 100 million workers do not have private disability income insurance.
Council for Disability Awareness, Long Term Disability Claims Review, 2005
- 70% of the private sector workforce has no long-term disability insurance.
Social Security Administration, Fact Sheet 2007
Disability is a real and growing risk and is widespread in the United States. Learn what you can do to reduce your chances of disability.
Visit the CDA website for more information: www.disabilitycanhappen.org
