There may be more applications for Social Security Disability because more Americans have disabilities.

Lately there has been a lot of discussion regarding the dramatic increase in Social Security Disability applications.  People have put forth numerous reasons attempting to explain the increase.  Commentators have cited the economic conditions, people unable to find jobs, and an aging population.  These are probably all valid reasons but perhaps one additional reason is that more Americans have a disability.  According to the Census data, in 2010 there were 56.7 million people with a disability.  That is an increase of 2.2 million people since 2005.  http://www.disabilityscoop.com/2012/07/26/census-more-disabilities/16111/