Disability may reduce the active work force capability of a nation with a resultant effect on the support of the social benefit system. The costs of disability are greatest in those nations which are in need of an increased active work force. In some industrialized nations with ageing populations and increased numbers of disabled persons, there is a trend towards reduced numbers of active workers supporting each recipient of social benefits. In other nations, the population in younger age groups is increasing. These trends have long-term effects on the financial bases of social benefit schemes. In developing countries with normally low rates of employment, planners may erroneously conclude that it is unnecessary to include the disabled in their labour policy.