According to the Social Security Administration (SSA), new claims for disability benefits rose nearly 17 percent nationwide in 2009 and disability filings are projected to rise another 10 percent in 2010, to 3.3 million claims.  Michael Astrue , commissioner of SSA, acknowledges that “the biggest problems are states that have a combination of two things:  One the economy is very bad; and two, the state has embraced furloughs.”  Astrue further cited California, Wisconsin, and Ohio as three of the states where the SSA is struggling to keep up.  A good amount of the new disability claims are filed by workers whose employers are no longer able to make accommodations for disabling conditions.  Because these long standing employees often need physical assistance to perform their jobs, or require excessive absences due to health conditions, employers are choosing to retain employees who can offer more productivity and reduce the bottom line.  How SSA will consider claimants who until recently were able to work despite their impairing conditions, remains to be seen.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/34381782/ns/us_news-the_elkhart_project/sp-tx