The SSA Office of the Chief Actuary commented in an “Actuarial Note” on the benefits during our current economic conditions. On average there is a 2 year lag between unemployment rate and the year SSDI claims are filed.
“Because disability claims have historically increased in response to periods of high unemployment, it is reasonable to expect that the percentage of claims that are allowed would drop under conditions of high unemployment. Evidence presented in this note supports that expectation.”