> Disability benefits are never lavish, but, together with eligibility for additional benefits unlocked by disability enrollment and with resources from family

> Disability benefits are never lavish, but, together with eligibility for additional benefits unlocked by disability enrollment and with resources from family and friends, they can and clearly do provide the basis for a viable work-free existence for many millions of prime-working-age men today. This really bugs me because I think the author has an opinion that is revealed when they say "viable." The focus is on the bare minimum benefits instead of the awful job prospects for those at the bottom. Unlivable minimum wage paired with jobs that only offer part-time employment, with wild, unpredictable shift schedules. No health benefits or any notable discounts on food or clothing or anything. These people live in areas where it's untenable to live without a car. So they end up paying more in car maintenance to drive to a job that pays them less and less. Gov't benefits that disappear the moment they get a job, which put them in a worse position than if they'd just stayed unemployed. Benefits they might need to pay back to the government. Of course people opt out. Good for them. But don't for a moment think that they're actually happy about this.