Social security’s disability program is almost broke

Aging baby boomers and unemployed workers have swamped the Social Security disability program with claims for benefits, which has sent the system – which was already facing a financial struggle – to the point of near insolvency. Since ten years ago, applications have increased by almost 50 percent, as individuals with disabilities are laid off and cannot find employment within an economy that has dropped almost 7 million jobs. The flood of benefits claims has created an increasing applicant backlog – many of whom must wait two years before their…

Read More

Report shows workplace disability insurance protects workers and saves taxpayers

A study commissioned by Unum, the leader in employee benefits, and performed by Charles River Associates, has shown that group disability insurance protects up to half a million families from poverty, and directly saves taxpayers and the government up to an estimated $4.5 billion every year. According to The Wharton School emeritus professor David F. Babbel, who is the Charles River Associates leader of the Insurance Economics Practice, the study “quantifies the immense economic value financial protection products such as disability, life and long term care insurance provide American workers.”…

Read More

Disability Insurance: U.S. workers underinsured

A recent survey performed by The Hartford insurance company showed that over 50 percent of US workers are without disability coverage and the percentage continues to climb.  The research suggested that only 44 percent of U.S. workers have a form of long-term disability coverage, while 49 percent have short-term disability coverage.  When compared to 2010 the percentage for long-term disability insurance dropped by 3 percent and short-term disability insurance fell by 6 percent.  Executive vice president, Ron Gendreau for the Group Benefits at The Hartford said that “We are concerned…

Read More