Vocational Considerations and Trends in Social Security Disability

Publication date: Available online 9 December 2016 Source:The Journal of the Economics of Ageing Author(s): Amanda Michaud, David Wiczer, Jaeger Nelson Along with health, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) evaluates work-limiting disability by considering vocational factors including age, education, and past work experience. SSDI determinations based on these factors have grown three-fold since 1985. We use an unique state-level data-set to estimate how vocational demographics relate to SSDI awards and then assess the contribution of demographic change to SSDI trends. Although workers in their 50s are associated with higher SSDI award rates, secular increases in educational attainment should have offset the impact of population aging on rising SSDI claims, particularly those with Vocational Considerations.
Source: The Journal of the Economics of Ageing - Category: Health Management Source Type: research