Social Security Disability Recipients Aren’t Lazy

It’s a tough situation in which to find yourself. You’ve worked hard your entire life, and yet a recent injury or illness has made it impossible for you to continue. Your only solution seems to be filing for Social Security Disability. Then you have to hear on the news or from people on the street that Disability recipients are people who just don’t want to work. Do not listen to them.

It is true, like any other program, there will always be people who abuse Social Security Disability. But the majority of Disability recipients want to work and simply can’t do it anymore. What people fail to realize it Social Security isn’t some handout from the government. Rather, it is money that workers earn throughout their career. That Social Security tax you see on your pay stub is your insurance in case you ever become disabled and cannot work. It is money you earned and money you deserve to help pay your bills and support your family.

Furthermore, Social Security Disability recipients are often in much worse shape than the public realizes. In fact, Social Security says that Disability recipients are three times more likely to die within the next year than the general population their age. Not to mention in recipients over 55 years old, men 1 in 5 men and 1 in 7 women will die within 5 years. These are not the numbers of a group who in “faking it” or “milking the system”.

The point is if you are considering Social Security Disability, do not listen to those who claim recipients are lazy. Inform them of the facts and do what is best for you and your family.