[Buckeye McFrog]

another factor is the explosion of disability claims.

Bingo. My first clue was this past spring when a neighbor, in his mid 40's, not in great physical shape but not obviously disabled, got his SSI approved. Obviously word got out that if you applied you'd be rubber-stamped. Now he spends his days drinking and watching porn.

[stocksthatgoup]

Another factor may be Welfare to Work. Where many who had to seek employment, no longer do. (They can go to school instead)