Some people do actually need the disability payments.
Many others, however, are just abusing the system. A neighbor’s son has been on “disability” for over 10 years. He and his girlfriend both get it. Both in their 40’s. Both smoke dope, spend much time on their computers throughout the day. Both physically in better shape than many older folks you might see in the work force limping around (like those older souls at Walmart still having to work).
Mentally also this guy and girlfriend are okay (though would be much more capable if they weren’t smoking dope).
Somehow they got on the “system” years ago and are able to continue in it. They have no plans to look for a job. They also get food stamps. No telling how many other thousands across the U.S. are doing the exact same thing. There is much abuse in the disability system. But I realize there are legitimate cases also.
In 2009-2010, the Obama Admin offered states what were essentially bounties to sign long-term unemployed up for disability. We went from roughly 7.5 million on disability to 11 million in a little over a year.