Back in the early 70s, I worked for a year and a half as a Social Security claims rep.
At that time, Social Security Disability was probably the most difficult process of any. Just about every one was refused at the first try. You had to be really, really in bad shape.
Just about zero were approved on reconsideration. Most who were approved were done so by an administrative law judge.
I guess it could have changed but I still bet it is not that easy. I will say that those who had an attorney had a much better chance of being approved. They knew exactly what to do and what they were looking for.
We have a close friend on it, under 60 years of age, who has a form of dementia - not Alzheimers, but similar. We helped her with the process of applying for Social Security Disability. Not easy. Lots of hoops to jump through.
The spike is probably due in part to people who have lost their jobs and who could have qualified previously but decided for one reason or another that it was better to work than go on the dole. But when you are disabled, can’t find any job and you are under 62, an option is Social Security Disability.
Another contributing factor also has to be the climb in obesity rates.