Reports say people with disabilities are losing their jobs and aren't able to find new ones in this rough economy.

Some Congressional estimates say...the disabilty system may run out of money in just 6 years from now; 2017.

20 years later, the retirement fund will run dry as well unless Congress acts.

Applications are up nearly 50% over a decade ago.

These days, nearly 4 million people receive disability.  Reports say this year, 3.3 million people are expected to apply for disabilty.

That's 1 million more than just 10 years ago.

Another issue - the system itself.

Legitimate applicants sometimes wait years for benefits, while others get payments they don't really need.

A disability specialist here in East Texas says people have been very concerned about their benefits...but so far, everything's okay.

"...and I've just told them, if they don't get it, we'll deal with it when it comes about...right now, I haven't gotten any word or acknowledgement that they would not be getting it," said Joy Willadsen with the East Texas Center for Independent Living.

Some analysts say in order to help the disability fund, it's best to make the system more efficient.  T0hat way nearly $12 Billion can be saved over the next decade.