Survey Found Half of Eligible Workers Missed SSDI

A new poll shows that misinformation and low awareness prevent many eligible Americans from applying for disability benefits.

Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Employment

Isometric editorial illustration of a protective metal shield resting above a solid metal plinth, representing the federal disability safety net. — A recent survey found that nearly half of eligible working-age Americans fail to apply for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Do you believe federal disability benefit programs are transparent and easy for eligible workers to access?

A survey of 1,033 working-age adults revealed that nearly half of employees eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) fail to apply for the program. Many workers mistakenly believe the benefits are only for U.S. citizens or that the application process requires high upfront fees.

Why it matters

Low public awareness regarding eligibility and costs prevents many workers from securing essential disability coverage for long-term injuries or illnesses. While millions remain covered by payroll taxes, significant confusion about the rules continues to hinder access to these federal protections.

A survey of 1,033 adults found that 46% incorrectly believe SSDI requires citizenship, with overall awareness of the program at 51.7%. This represents a 20.4 percentage point gap behind awareness of the Medicaid program.

The players

Social Security Administration

This federal agency is responsible for administering Social Security Disability Insurance and modernizing the digital application process.

Atticus

This organization conducted the survey on disability awareness and corresponds with federal committees regarding benefit accessibility.

The details

Atticus reports that many employees falsely assume they lack coverage for work-ending injuries, despite paying into the system. To address these hurdles, the Social Security Administration has expanded its digital infrastructure, allowing users to track claims and access 26 additional notice types online.

June 2026: Atticus sent a letter to the House committee regarding benefit access.
July 2026: The Social Security Administration announced expanded online claim features.
October 6, 2026: The survey results were officially published.

Macro View

The findings mirror broader historical trends where complex federal administrative requirements create barriers that stifle participation in entitlement programs. This discrepancy illustrates the recurring gap between the scope of the Social Security Disability Insurance program and the public's ability to navigate its eligibility criteria.

Eligible workers who are unaware of these benefits may face severe financial instability if they suffer a long-term illness or injury. Understanding that the program is funded by payroll taxes and requires no upfront application fee is vital for long-term household financial security.

The takeaway

Workers should verify their own disability coverage status rather than relying on common misconceptions about eligibility or citizenship. Consulting official Social Security Administration portals can help clear up confusion regarding the actual requirements for filing a claim.