If we consider the difficulty in obtaining disability benefits and the difficulty in keeping them, we should also consider why someone would go through the hassle. I don't think that the benefits are all that much (I could be wrong).
What if we, as a society, could make it easier to obtain and sustain a good-paying job? Would people be still willing to go the route of disability? Maybe there are few jobs that many people can get. Or, maybe the 'costs' associated with working are too high. There's considerable social stigma for being 'disabled'' - why would someone take on that stigma?
I'm guessing that people are making a rational cost / benefit analysis.
It depends on which program and what you consider a lot. There are three main disibility programs: SSI, SSDI as the dependant of a retired worker, and SSDI as a disabled worker.
Everyone is eligible for SSI but pays the least (maximum $733 / month federal, some states add a small amount). Someone on SSI whose parent has enough qualifying working quarters can switch to SSDI at 1/2 of the benefit the retiree would be eligible for at full retirement age. This currently tops out at around $1400 / month. Finally, if you yourself have worked enough qualifying quarters (6-20 depending on age) and become disabled you may be eligible for primary SSDI. These top out at around $2600 / month, but average much less. An additional benefit of SSDI, is that after two years a recipient becomes eligible for Medicare.
What if we, as a society, could make it easier to obtain and sustain a good-paying job? Would people be still willing to go the route of disability? Maybe there are few jobs that many people can get. Or, maybe the 'costs' associated with working are too high. There's considerable social stigma for being 'disabled'' - why would someone take on that stigma?
I'm guessing that people are making a rational cost / benefit analysis.