In effect disability ends up being a basic income for former auto workers laid off, which is not what it was intended for.
Those on benefits are fearful of losing their benefits for appearing too "able-bodied" and those who legitimately need assistance have to go through appeals proving their disability.
One could imagine a better system of UBI for all + additional disability, for those who genuinely are unable to work.
The number of people receiving disability has increased 5x since 1970: https://www.ssa.gov/policy/docs/statcomps/di_asr/2016/sect01...
In effect disability ends up being a basic income for former auto workers laid off, which is not what it was intended for.
Those on benefits are fearful of losing their benefits for appearing too "able-bodied" and those who legitimately need assistance have to go through appeals proving their disability.
One could imagine a better system of UBI for all + additional disability, for those who genuinely are unable to work.