We're Number One! (for disability) No surprise there.

[CoolBreeze]

CHARLESTON, W.Va.--The percentage of West Virginians receiving Social Security Disability benefits ranks highest in the nation, according to data from the Social Security Administration.

In an August report, the agency said 91,273 people - 5.02 percent of the state's population - are considered disabled workers.

Following West Virginia in the rankings were Arkansas, at 4.44 percent; Kentucky, 4.41 percent; Alabama, 4.34 percent; and Mississippi, 4.11 percent.

Another 14,835 West Virginians were listed as dependent spouses or children of those on disability, bringing total beneficiaries to 106,108.

The number of disabled workers in the state has increased sharply over the past few years, in keeping with a national trend.

The figure has risen by more than 34 percent since 2002, when it stood at 67,905.

A July report by the Congressional Budget Office says the disability program is "not financially sustainable." Its study found that should current trends continue, the Disability Insurance Trust Fund, which is financed through a 1.8 percent payroll tax, will be exhausted by 2018.

The study found the lack of jobs is a key contributor to rising rates of disability applications.

"When opportunities for employment are plentiful, some people who could qualify for DI benefits find working more attractive," the report said. "Conversely, when employment opportunities are scarce, some of those people participate in the DI program instead."

Researchers found that applications increased immediately following the onset of the recessions of the early 1990s and 2001. It also found that beneficiaries remained on disability even after the economy improved.

"Many people who have been out of the labor force for extended periods find it difficult to return to work, and new beneficiaries rarely leave the DI program to return to work simply because the economy has improved," the budget office said.

More... http://www.dailymail.com/News/201009060490

In the past, they always accounted for our high rates of disability due to the dangerous types of jobs in WV. Now, they claim it's due to the economy and obesity. Anyone can visit any Walmart and see that's the real issue.

[Bob Campbell]

Now I know this sounds crazy, but I wouldn't lie about something so important.
Reading that post about disability, sitting here in my office, I severely injured my brain. I don't think I'll be able to work any more. Now I know I don't live in WV right now, but I injured myself while working while reading about WV, so I'm going to apply there.
I better get home now. My brain really hurts.