The number of nationwide Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) awards issued in December 2019 totaled 39,356, the lowest monthly amount reported since December 1999.
The Agency has averaged approximately 62,000 awards per month in 2018-2019, down considerably from 2010-11 when monthly awards were approximately 87,000 per month.
Factors in the awards decline include fewer applications due to the improved economy, lower award rates, reduced staffing, and limited overtime due to budget constraints.
Initial applications submitted to state Disability Determination Services (DDS) fell to 87,859, the second fewest monthly total since January 2001.
