The Boom in Disability Benefits

[_ajax18]

In order to prevent the DI trust fund from going bankrupt next year, Congress may resort to temporary expedients. But for meaningful change to take place, Congress must instead ease the burden placed on an expanded DI system that was never designed to be used so heavily. Lawmakers could follow the example set in the Netherlands, where officials have reduced the number of disability beneficiaries by 60% in the past six years by requiring back-to-work plans and lowering taxes for employers who can keep disabled workers on the job. We’ve already seen signs of progress on this front: Last year, former Republican Senator Tom Coburn proposed legislation offering rehabilitation and other benefits to encourage workers to stay employed.

https://www.forbes.com/sites/neilhowe/2 ... fca1656b93

This was a great article. I was thinking since so many of you view western European socialism as the ideal, would following the Netherlands in this policy be good for the US?

[_Gunnar]

You actually have a good point, Ajax. Helping the disabled ought to include trying to make it possible for them earn at least part of their own way and make a significant contribution to society, consistent with their disabilities. This would help maximize their happiness, mental health and sense of self worth. I don't think any reasonable person would argue with that,

[_cinepro]

These systems can be tough, because they end up creating incentives not to work.

For example, at least once a year I'll interview someone and offer them a job but they can't start when I need them to because they're "waiting for their unemployment to run out."

[_huckelberry]

These systems can be tough, because they end up creating incentives not to work.

For example, at least once a year I'll interview someone and offer them a job but they can't start when I need them to because they're "waiting for their unemployment to run out."

such a job refusal would result in ineligibility for unemployment compensation should the employment security office become aware of it.

I think the idea of support for reemploying disabled individuals is a good ideal. It is limited somewhat by the fact that social security disablity is suppose to require the person to have disablities preventing work which are expected to be long lasting. Still it makes sense I think to aim at helping people become reemployed as much as possible.

[Guest]

I thought welfare and disability claims were decreasing?

eta: This NYT article makes that claim since the economy is booming right now.

https://www.nytimes.com/2018/06/19/busi ... tions.html

- Doc

[_ajax18]

Still it makes sense I think to aim at helping people become reemployed as much as possible.

Thank you for talking some sense around here.

I thought welfare and disability claims were decreasing?

I still think the labor participation rate could be better. I think we've all seen far too many people on disability that shouldn't be on it.

[Guest]

I think we've all seen far too many people on disability that shouldn't be on it.

Like who?

- Doc

Take two:

Like who?

- Doc

[_Themis]

I still think the labor participation rate could be better. I think we've all seen far too many people on disability that shouldn't be on it.

Labor participation is about a lot more then people on disabilities. With an aging population you will probably have an overall decrease in labor participation. This problem could bankrupt countries in the future if something is not done soon to deal with the problem. One suggestion I have is since the average age going up is the problem the retirement age should also be raised to compensate, as well as ways to encourage some elderly you are able to participate in the labor force even if just part time.

[_Doctor CamNC4Me]

I still think the labor participation rate could be better. I think we've all seen far too many people on disability that shouldn't be on it.

Labor participation is about a lot more then people on disabilities. With an aging population you will probably have an overall decrease in labor participation. This problem could bankrupt countries in the future if something is not done soon to deal with the problem. One suggestion I have is since the average age going up is the problem the retirement age should also be raised to compensate, as well as ways to encourage some elderly you are able to participate in the labor force even if just part time.

We have gazillions of people coming into our country. Why wouldn't this offset an aging population?

- Doc

[_ajax18]

Well speak of the devil,

I just saw a 27 yoa seemingly healthy myope. I asked what his occupation just as part of the history. "Oh I get disability but do you know anyone who is offering any cash pay jobs? I get tired of sitting at home doing nothing." I guess once you get that disability income coming in you don't want to mess it up by going back to work.