Work Disability and Application for and Receipt of SSDI and SSI among Older  Working-Age Persons: Implications for Social Policy

Namkee Choi
GSSW
Portland State University
400 University Center Building
P.O. Box 751
Portland OR 97207-0751
503-725-8013
FAX: 503-725-5545
choin@rri.pdx.edu
Purpose: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are the major sources of income for disabled, older working-age persons.  The purpose of this study was to analyze: (1) factors associated with stability or changes in self-reported work disability over a 2-year period among older working-age populations, and (2) the extent and determinants of application for and receipt of SSDI and SSI among the work-disabled.
 
Methods: Using data from the Health and Retirement Study (HRS), 1992-1994 (n=8,740), the prevalence rates of work disability and the extent of SSDI and SSI application and receipt were examined.  Multinomial logistic regression models were used to analyze factors associated with stability or changes in self-reported disability and SSDI and SSI application and receipt.
 
Results: The prevalence rates of work disability increased from 18% to 25% between wave 1 and wave 2, but a high rate of recovery was also found. Deteriorating health conditions, negative health habits, and the high degree of physical effort required by the current or previous job contributed to continuing work disability, while improved health conditions were not significantly associated with regained work ability between the two waves. Approximately 50% of the disabled applied for SSDI/SSI, and less than 40% of applicants were awarded the benefits.  About 75% of the denied appealed the decision, and of those who did, 60% were awarded the benefits. No significant difference in objective health conditions was found between the beneficiaries and the denied.
 
Implications for policy and practice: Social work advocacy is needed to: (1) establish more accommodating work environments and conditions for persons who have work disabilities but do not have access to disability benefits; and (2) assist the work-disabled in the SSDI/SSI application process.