I have posted several times about the pitfalls of relying on our Social Security system for disability insurance.  I would like to tell you that it’s getting better, but I wouldn’t be telling the truth.

The recently-released 2010 CDA (Council for Disability Awareness) Long-Term Disability Claims Review suggests that, while applications for benefits rose 21.4% in 2009 from the previous year (also a record rise from 2007 levels), the SSDI claim approval rate continues to decline.

The SSDI percentage approval rate for applications has been trending downward since the late 90’s.  Only 35% of workers applying for SSDI disability claim payments in 2009 were approved; 10 years ago, the approval rate for workers applying for disability was 52%.

If those statistics don’t get you thinking about looking into a quality long term disability income policy, here are a few more – 56% of SSDI recipients received less than $1,000 monthly; 84% of SSDI recipients received less than $1,500 monthly (both figures from 2008).

The safety net is fraying all over.  If you depend on it to provide security for you and your family, I’m afraid you will only find disappointment at a time when you don’t need any more bad news.  Protect yourself and your family with a disability insurance policy from a top-rated company.  You’ll be a lot safer if you do.