One of MCN’s favorite radio programs is “This American Life” from National Public Radio. The March 22, 2013 show, “Trends With Benefits,” was on the massive growth in federal disability benefits in the U.S. Much of this is no surprise to those of us who work in the sector. To quote their blurb:

“The number of Americans receiving federal disability payments has nearly doubled over the last 15 years. There are towns and counties around the nation where almost 1/4 of adults are on disability. Planet Money‘s Chana Joffe-Walt spent 6 months exploring the disability program, and emerges with a story of the U.S. economy quite different than the one we’ve been hearing.”

Well worth a listen. This American Life: Trends With Benefits

And additional information in available from the author on the web at:

http://apps.npr.org/unfit-for-work/