The process of applying for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits is a complex one that many residents of Atlanta will need to deal with at some point if they become injured or sick and cannot work. People who rely on SSDI benefits receive an average of about $1,130 a month, which can provide the crucial financial support disabled workers need to care for themselves and their families. However, it is a complicated system that can be difficult for any person to navigate.
And according to a recent report by the National Center for Policy Analysis, more women are involved in this process than ever before. The study reports that in 2012, 48 percent of disability recipients were women, which is an all-time high. The number one reason for these claims is musculoskeletal disorders. This is important because these disorders can be difficult to diagnose and treat effectively, and women may be more susceptible to develop certain forms of these ailments as compared to men.
Additionally, women are being diagnosed with mood disorders at rate that is much higher than men. Mood disorders are the second-highest reason that both men and women collect disability, but the number of women receiving benefits for these illnesses has increased over the years. Over 14 percent of women over the age of 50 who received SSDI benefits in 2012 did so as a result of a mood disorder, which is an increase of more than 2.5 percent over the previous year. The number of men receiving SSDI for these same conditions dropped about 3 percent during that time.
Every case involving disabling conditions is unique. However, it is important to remember that certain conditions generally affect men and women in different ways, and there are some injuries or illnesses that are more likely to affect one gender. It is crucial to keep these distinctions in mind because they can have an effect on how a person is treated by physicians, what medication is available and the impact a condition can have on a person’s life. Each of these considerations can come into play when applying for SSDI benefits. Working with an attorney can help men and women understand their options and what must be done to pursue a favorable outcome.
Source: Newsmax, “Study: Record Number of Women Receiving Disability Payments,” Andrea Billups, May 29, 2014
