Weaver, D. A. (2020). Social Security disability benefits: Characteristics of the approved and denied populations. Journal of Disability Policy Studies, 32(1), 51–62. https://doi.org/10.1177/1044207320933538 

University of Notre Dame

University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

The SSDI program is the largest disability program in the United States with projected provisions for the 2020-2029 term being roughly $1.8 trillion. Provisions are given those qualified for social security due to their jobs and who are considered disabled under the Social Security Act.

Social Security Disability Insurance (DI) Program

Weaver's paper aims to compare the SSI and Social Security Disability Programs, specifically how federal support compares between approved and denied applicants for such programs (as well as other beneficiaries and the general population). The paper aims to discuss the use of survey data in the 2013 SIPP Panel that helps identify populations denied such benefits.(Survey data is less reliable than the administrative data but the latter is not often made publicly available and can have implications of future research and studies.)

Weaver's Study on Social Security Disability Benefits

The OASI program provides further aid for disabled widowers and disabled adult children as part of Social Security.

Old-Age and Survivors Insurance (OASI) Program

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) provides monthly, means-tested payments to people with limited income who are disabled, blind, or age 65 or older. People under age 18 who are blind or disabled may also qualify. Unlike Social Security insurance benefits, SSI does not require insured status.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Program

The findings produced varying results, with some studies showing an increased work capacity for those receiving disability benefits while others show that disabled beneficiaries barely work.

Econometric Findings of the Social Security Disability Program

SSI is expected to involve persons of lower economic class.

Differences between the SSI and Social Security Disability Programs

The Social Security Administration (SSA) oversees both programs.
Both also utilize the same definition of disability for adults and provide benefits for a  a significant number of people.

Commonalities between the SSI and Social Security Disability Programs

According to the US Census Bureau, the Survey of Income and Program Participation (SIPP) is a national household-based survey that collects information concerning income, employment, household composition, and federal program participation. The survey represents the civilian noninstitutionalized population in the states and District of Columbia.

Survey of Income and Program Participation (SIPP)

Three groups for comparison in Weaver's study include: SSI beneficiaries,
other public or private beneficiaries (received income from Worker’s Compensation, VA disability, private disbaility, or other disability program), and the general population (neither applied nor received). 

Weaver's Study: Three Groups for Comparison

The data collected reflects the outcome of a comparative analysis of the socioeconomic, economic, healthcare impacts between SS and SSI groups. 

Main Analysis of Weaver's Study

- Much of the data used was self-reported survey data, which poses the risk of respondents not accurately reporting their applied programs and benefits.
- Ever-receipt and ever-applied questions may lead to inaccuracies, but more often than not helped patients remember events that "ever" happened to them (less specific).
- Age-wise, most of the respondents across all of the studied groups were between 40-55 years old.
- Application-based studies are necessary for more in-depth information. Though, the provided data was useful for policymakers hesitant concerning affected individuals and their roles in the labor force.
- The study had a lack of causal connections to outcomes.

Limitations of Weaver's Study

A report by Mathematic Policy Research suggests the use of financial incentives and interventions that improve health. Other additional studies show that the provision of health insurance led to greater earnings and improved mental and physical health. The study placed an emphasis on policymakers using policy or service interventions to aid with employment outcomes. Lastly, there was a big emphasis on focusing on studying and aiding denied applicants facing less than favorable circumstances due to their need for incomes and health insurances.

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