Americans who are unable to work because of an illness or injury have been able to receive Social Security disability benefits for the last 60 years. The program was created in the 1950s, and has shown to have a huge affect on people's lives. For some, the benefits provide them with basic necessities.

While Social Security disability benefits help millions of Americans who unable to work, there is concern that some applicants have withheld important medical information.

A law firm based in New York is under pressure for allegedly mishandling disability cases. A senator from Oklahoma has now asked the head of the Social Security Administration to review many of those cases to determine if medical information was withheld. However, it won't be a small task. The law firm in question helps more than 10,000 people each year.

When applying for disability benefits, it is important to know that only those who can prove that they are fully disabled and unable to work are eligible for Social Security disability benefits. The concern is that by withholding important medical information, some individuals may be receiving benefits when they are in fact not fully disabled.

Already close to 11 million Americans receive disability benefits, but recently the number of applications for SSDI has grown significantly. About $130 billion was paid out to SSDI recipients in 2011. At that rate, the system could be drained in just five years.

Despite the high rate of applications, disability benefits continue to help millions of Americans. Those in Illinois who are struggling with an illness or injury that prevents them from working should investigate what options may be available to them.

Source: The Wall Street Journal, "Review of Disability Claims is Urged," Damian Paletta and Dionne Searcey, Dec. 23, 2011