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SACRAMENTO —

New federal data reveals that Sacramento adults are 40% more likely to be on disability than anywhere else in the state.

“The left side of my brain is damaged, permanently. So, I can’t work,” Said Paul Maryland.

Maryland admits to having mental disabilities. But, he also tells FOX40 that he has held a full time job before.

“I was a licensed chef before I was in the military and got post traumatic stress disorder,” Maryland said.

On disability since the 1990′s, Maryland says he gets a check every month for about $850 through the social security disability program. And, he’s not the only one. Government data shows more and more adults across the state are leaving the workforce and applying for disability benefits, the Sacramento region is leading the way.

About 57,000 residents in the valley, according to the data, receive disability benefits, double the number from 15 years ago.