Social Security Disability Applications Have Decreased During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, Social Security Disability applications have decreased slightly, reflecting the ongoing trend of declining applications over the last 10 years, according to the Congressional Research Service. For example, applications averaged about 156,700 per month during January-September 2020, compared with nearly 172,200 per month during January-September 2019. The decline in disability applications thus far may be due to the stimulus programs such as unemployment and short-term disability benefits. However, if the economic downturn continues and these temporary supports are stopped, then the Social Security Disability applications among older workers who are not yet at retirement age and who have disabilities may rise in response.