Social Security
Disability Insurance Program
Worker Experience

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ACTUARIAL STUDY NO. 118
by Tim Zayatz, A.S.A.

I. ENTITLEMENT TO DISABILITY INSURANCE BENEFITS

After onset of a severe physical or mental impairment, a worker may become entitled to monthly disability insurance benefits under the Social Security Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance (OASDI) program, provided he or she:

A worker's cash benefit is classified as an award at the time of initial payment. Additional auxiliary benefits may also be payable to other family members based on the earnings record of the entitled worker. This study analyzes the activity of disabled workers of the Social Security Disability Insurance (DI) program as described under title II of the Social Security Act.

A. Definition of Disability

For purposes of entitlement to DI benefits, disability is defined as the inability to engage in any substantial gainful activity (SGA) by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment. The impairment must be expected to result in death or to last for a continuous period of at least 12 months. In addition, the disability must prevent the claimant from performing previous work, or engaging in any other kind of work in which a significant number of jobs exist. It is immaterial whether such work exists in the claimant's immediate area, or whether a specific job vacancy exists, or whether the claimant would be hired if he or she applied for work.

Several additional points are worth mentioning:

B. Disability Insured Status

To qualify for Social Security benefits for themselves and their dependents, individuals must work in employment covered by Social Security or be self-employed for a certain period of time, or have a specific amount of covered earnings in a year. Credit for this work is measured in quarters of coverage (QCs), or credits.2

An insured status test of the number of credits earned by a worker is required to establish a period of entitlement to any benefit. To be considered for disability benefits, a worker must satisfy disability insured status requirements, which consist of having obtained a requisite number of total credits as well as a specified number of credits earned in recent quarters. The worker must accrue a sufficient number of credits to be deemed fully insured—at least six credits and no more than 40 credits are required for this insured status.3 The recency-of-work test is satisfied if the worker has earned at least 20 credits during a 40-quarter period that ends with the quarter in which the waiting period begins.

A special recency-of-work test for younger workers provides an alternative to the 20/40 requirement. A worker who is under a disability which began before the quarter of attainment of age 31 satisfies the recency-of-work requirement if credits were earned for at least one-half of the quarters during the period beginning with the quarter after the quarter the worker attained age 21, and ending with the quarter in which the disability began. If this period contains 12 or fewer quarters—that is, if the disability begins in the quarter the worker attains age 24 or earlier—then a minimum of six credits must be earned in the 12-quarter period ending with the quarter in which the disability began.

Note that an individual disabled because of statutory blindness is not required to satisfy the recency-of-work test. Disability insured status is granted if the worker is fully insured only.

C. Waiting Period

The waiting period for DI benefits consists of 5 consecutive full calendar months beginning with the earliest full calendar month throughout which the worker satisfied both the definition of disability and the disability insured requirements. Benefits are not payable during the waiting period. However, the waiting period is waived for individuals who had a prior period of disability, which ended within 5 years of the current period of disability. In contrast, there is no waiting period for disability benefits under the SSI program.

II. EXPERIENCE OF DISABILITY DETERMINATIONS

A. Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA)

Substantial work activity involves the performance of significant physical or mental duties that are productive in nature. The degree to which an impairment limits an individual's ability to perform basic work activities is essential in determining the severity of the disability. Basic work activities include: sitting, standing, walking, lifting, carrying, handling, reaching, pushing, pulling, climbing, stooping, seeing, hearing, speaking, understanding, carrying out simple instructions, using judgment, responding appropriately in a work setting, and dealing with changes in work routine.

Gainful work activity is work performed for pay or profit. Certain earnings criteria have been established as reasonable indications of whether an individual is engaged in SGA. The dollar amount associated with defining SGA is specified in Federal regulations, and was originally set at $100 at the inception of the DI program. This amount had been updated on an ad hoc basis until January 2001, at which time the regulations were revised to provide for annual indexing of the SGA level based on the increase in average wages. From 1990 through 2000, the SGA level actually consisted of a primary amount and a lower secondary amount. Earnings above the primary amount ordinarily demonstrated SGA, whereas earnings less than the secondary amount demonstrated lack of SGA; earnings between the two amounts required consideration of all circumstances related to work activity. This tier structure was discontinued beginning in 2001. Since 1977, blind persons have been subject to a separate SGA amount.4 Figure 1 shows a history of the level of SGA.

Figure 1.—Substantial Gainful Activity Amounts
for the Disability Insurance Program 1957-2005
[D]

B. Impairments

To establish the presence of an impairment, an individual must provide supporting medical evidence along with the disability claim. The Social Security Administration's Listing of Impairments is used to determine the severity of the disability. The listings contain examples of common impairments for each of the major body systems that are deemed to be of such severity as to prevent a person from performing SGA. However, a diagnosis of a listed impairment alone may not be sufficient to establish disability; associated symptoms, clinical signs, and laboratory findings must accompany it. In addition, claimants are asked to provide the names of employers and job duties for the last 15 years.

Many individuals are found to be disabled even though impairments fail to meet the level of severity required in the impairment listings. In these cases, an individual's medical condition is evaluated in conjunction with age, education, and job skills. These vocational factors are given increasing weight with the advancing age of the worker, and are particularly significant in the determination of disability among workers age 50 or older.

The leading diagnostic categories for disability vary by gender and year of award. Table 1 shows the leading causes among DI disabled workers. Ranked by overall percentage, musculoskeletal disorders represent the largest single category of impairment, accounting for 24.4 percent of all awards over the period 1998-2002. As the baby-boom generation (birth cohorts 1946-64) continues to age, arthritic, back, and bone disorders are expected to become increasingly more prevalent. It is anticipated that the DI program will continue to experience a growing proportion of awards in this impairment category. Also note that the jump in the percentage of musculoskeletal impairments in 1995 can be explained by a change in reporting method. Prior to 1995, the Office of Disability (OD) reported the diagnosis of all awards based solely on the distribution of allowances at the initial level. In essence, allowances at the appeals level were assumed to have the same distribution among impairment categories as those at the inital level. In 1995, OD began reporting the actual diagnosis of all awards at all levels of review. This change revealed a significantly higher percentage of musculoskeletal impairments at the appeals level. The accompanying drop in the percentage of mental impairments in 1995 suggests that at least some of the awards in this category were among those misclassified under the old reporting method.

Mental impairments rank second in overall percentage, accounting for 23.8 percent of all awards, and continue to have the highest percentage among females for the 5-year period ending in 2002. Mental disorders had been the leading cause of disability for both sexes until being displaced by musculoskeletal disorders in 1996. However, mental impairments became the leading cause again in 2001. This may be due, in part, to a special administrative initiative. Effective in that year, SSA began conducting a review of SSI recipients who are potentially eligible for DI benefits due to previously unrecognized disability-insured status. Many of the resulting awards were found to be individuals under age 35 who were diagnosed with a mental disorder. Although review of this special disability workload is expected to continue for a number of years, the impact on specific impairment categories is uncertain. Also note that revised listings for mental impairments (published in 1985) led to the re-adjudication of a large number of cases, resulting in a jump in new awards in 1986.

Among males, circulatory disorders have always been a leading cause of disability, accounting for roughly 14-16 percent of total awards over the last 10 years. Neoplastic disorders have also been steady in recent years, accounting for roughly 9-11 percent of total awards. An age comparison within these two categories reveals nearly five times as many circulatory impairments among those age 50 or older compared with those age 35-49; and three times as many neoplastic disorders for the same age distribution. Although medical advancements continue in these categories, the large disparities show that these types of impairments will continue to significantly impact the DI rolls as the baby-boom ages. Finally, the percentage of awards based on infectious disease has decreased significantly over the last 5 years, mainly due to the marginalized impact of HIV infection.

Awards based on neoplastic and metabolic impairments rank higher among females than males, whereas awards based on circulatory impairments rank lower. Higher prevalence of cancer, and hormonal and eating disorders, as well as increasing prevalence of diabetes among females may account for this. Note that the impairment listings were changed in 1999 to eliminate awards based solely on obesity, accounting for the large decline in the percentage of nutritional and metabolic impairments beginning in 2000.

C. Determination Process

At the initial stage of a claimant's request for disability benefits, the State Disability Determination Services (DDS) will make a decision to allow or deny the claim. A claimant who is dissatisfied with the initial decision may request further review. This review process consists of several steps, which must be requested within specified time intervals, and in the following order:

Table 2 presents data on the disposition of claims for DI disability benefits across the various review stages, for calendar years 1993-2004. The data are tabulated by year of filing, with an additional break out by program involvement—showing claims for DI benefits only, or concurrent entitlement to DI and SSI benefits. As mentioned earlier, both programs use the same definition of disability for adults. However, eligibility for SSI benefits is further dependent upon the claimant's countable assets and income, which may include DI benefits.

Many factors exist that affect the number of disability claims filed as well as the frequency of subsequent decisions to either allow or deny benefits. However, the impact of any one factor is difficult to gauge; in general, they may be administrative, economic, or demographic in nature. Below is a list of some of the leading determinants which may have a significant impact on both the number of claims filed and the rate of favorable determinations 5:

D. Applications

The number of DDS claims for DI disabled worker benefits declined steadily from 1.25 million in 1994 to 1.04 million in 1998. Some factors contributing to the decline in this period include a robust economic expansion and lower levels of unemployment; leveling off of female labor force participation; a decline in HIV-related impairments; and the elimination of drug addiction and alcoholism as material causes for disability.

Over the following 6 years, the DI program experienced nearly a 43 percent increase in applications to an estimated 1.49 million in 2004, with roughly a 10 percent increase alone in each of 2001 and 2002. This increase in DDS claims is not fully understood, except in general terms. Having an obvious impact is the aging of the baby-boom, which continues to progress through the peak ages of disability; and higher levels of unemployment resulting from the economic contraction which began in the second quarter of 2001. A small portion of additional claims come from the review of the special disability workload of SSI recipients who may be eligible for DI benefits, as previously mentioned.

E. Initial Decisions

From 1992 through 1995, the allowance rate declined even as application growth continued. This may be indicative of claimants—caught in the economic downturn of a post-recession period—exhibiting less severe impairments. The result was fewer allowances from a growing number of claims. It is worth noting that allowance rates tend to be much lower among those concurrently filing for DI and SSI benefits than those filing for DI benefits only. This may be due to differences in the composition and economic status of the filers. Concurrent filers tend to be of lesser means (reflective of the nature of the SSI program) and are thus more likely affected by changes in the economy. Many times the only alternative is to seek aid from Federal, State, or local programs. Consequently, concurrent filers may exhibit less severe disability, or provide less evidence of impairment, resulting in fewer allowances.

Also note that for years with pending decisions, the ultimate allowance rate will be lower than that shown in table 2. This is due to the greater processing time involved in unfavorable decisions.

F. Reconsideration

Allowance rates at the reconsideration level have been very consistent. Although the reconsideration stage is de novo 6 in concept, it is similar to the initial stage in that disability determination is mostly a "paper review" process where claimants are rarely observed by the decision-maker. Assuming some uniformity among the initial decision-makers, it follows that initial denials are seldom overturned at reconsideration.

Currently 10 States are participating in a test of the Prototype Model to redesign the disability determination process. Features of this model include elimination of the reconsideration step, along with use of a single decision-maker and process enhancements at the DDS and OHA levels. The results shown in table 2, therefore, reflect a mixture of experience for the standard decision model and the modified test process. The Prototype Model test is set to expire on December 31, 2005.

G. Appeals Beyond Reconsideration

The subjectivity inherent in assessing disability leaves considerable room for interpretation of evidence. As a result, overturned decisions at the OHA level and beyond remain relatively high. Factors that contribute to the high reversal rate include:

Class action suits can also have an impact on the determination process. Public pressure has surfaced in controversial areas such as mental impairment issues; the amount of leverage given to allegations of pain; statements by treating physicians in the absence of clinical evidence; how HIV-related impairments and cardiovascular diseases are evaluated; use of vocational factors in the absence of a single debilitating impairment; and the consistency of DDS decisions with SSA policy. Although the number of claimants directly involved in any one case may not be large, the outcome may have a broader and subtler influence on subsequent rulings and determinations.

Finally, Federal efforts aim to improve the disability determination process by striving to reach the proper determination at the earliest possible stage. This effort will help to maintain managable backlogs, as well as reduce the rate of overturned decisions at the OHA level.

III. EXPERIENCE OF DISABILITY INCIDENCE

A. History

Since the commencement of disability cash benefits in July 1957, dynamics of the DI program have been subject to many internal and external factors. Congressional action, public opinion, and court rulings have shaped program characteristics including: how disability is defined; the determination of entitlement; the level of benefits; the review process of current beneficiaries; and ultimate program cost. Prior to 1960, the DI program applied only to workers age 50 or older. Prior to 1965, a claimant needed to be permanently disabled to qualify for benefits. The Social Security Amendments of 1967 (Public Law 90-248) eased the insured status requirements for persons under age 31, allowing a substantial number of young beneficiaries to enter the rolls. From 1968 through 1970, disability incidence remained fairly stable; however, through the early 1970s program growth far exceeded any reasonable expectations.

The introduction of the Black Lung program (1970) and the SSI program (1974), and a severe economic recession (1974-75) led to hundreds of thousands of new disability claims. In addition, administrative policy also tended to change as the DI program became bigger and more complex. Notably, the SSI program generally requires applicants under the age of 65 to apply for benefits from all other programs including DI, which may partially or fully offset SSI benefits. As expediency in processing applications was naturally given high priority, central office review of DDS initial decisions fell to roughly 5 percent in 1972 from 100 percent prior to 1972. The increased public awareness and pressures of administering two new programs probably contributed significantly to the sharp increase in new awards from 1972 to 1976.

The Social Security Amendments of 1977 (Public Law 95-216) and the Social Security Disability Amendments of 1980 (Public Law 96-265) also had a significant impact on the DI program. The 1977 amendments changed the benefit formula used to calculate benefits awarded in 1979 and later. The 1980 amendments introduced a more restrictive limit on the total monthly amount of Social Security benefits payable on a disabled worker's account; and mandated a 65 percent review rate of DDS allowances to assure uniformity of decisions. The return to high levels of review during this period led the DDSs to give increasingly careful consideration to new allowances, and increased the chances of reversing an initially favorable decision. These circumstances contributed to steadily declining awards from 1977 through 1982.

By 1984, DI program policy had undergone another reversal. Congressional and public concern over the removal of a large number of beneficiaries (particularly the mentally impaired) resulted in an administrative moratorium on the review of the disability rolls while Congress considered new DI legislation. Many beneficiaries whose benefits had been terminated were returned to the rolls through the appeals process. This initiated a period of increased court appeals and class action suits. In response, Congress passed the Social Security Disability Benefits Reform Act of 1984 (Public Law 98-460). Provisions of the Act include: revised mental impairment standards; increased emphasis on treating physician opinion; emphasis given to the combined effects of multiple impairments in the absence of a single severe impairment; required proof of medical improvement prior to termination of benefits; and standards to evaluate pain.

B. Recent Experience

Table 3 shows the total number of DI disabled workers awarded benefits grouped by calendar age 7 at time of award, for calendar years 1980-2004. These awards are also illustrated in figure 2.

Figure 2.—Disabled Worker Awards
by Age Group, Calendar Years 1980-2004
(In thousands)
[D]

Table 4 shows the associated disabled worker incidence rates, which are expressed as annual awards per thousand disability insured not already receiving benefits. Adjusted figures are expressed as age-adjusted (male and female) or age-sex-adjusted (total) relative to the exposed population as of 2000. Tables 3 and 4 are tabulated as of the year the beneficiary is added to the rolls. Note, however, that the year of award may actually be different from the year of disability onset or entitlement. This is due to factors such as the waiting period, the nature of the determination process, and claims processing times in general. Consequently, the incidence rates shown are not necessarily representative of true morbidity rates for the stated calendar years.

The incidence of disability increases considerably among workers beginning at age 50. The chance of DI entitlement increases naturally with advancing age, but also as a result of greater consideration given to vocational factors. This program characteristic continues to have a significant impact on costs as the baby-boom generation progresses through ages of higher incidence. Note that the rates shown in table 4 for ages 60 and older are likely to understate the true incidence of disability since, beginning at age 62, a disabled worker may elect to forgo disability benefits, opting instead to receive reduced old-age benefits. A number of factors influence this decision, including: the disability waiting period (old-age benefits are payable immediately); the potential for worker's compensation offset; differences between disability and old-age maximum family benefits payable; and the possibility for denial of disability benefits.

Age-specific disability incidence among female workers is typically lower than males. However in 1997, female incidence began to exceed that for males at ages 35-54. Although both genders experienced a general decline in incidence in this age range over the following five years, the decline is more pronounced among males. This is likely due to the elimination of drug and alcohol addiction from the DI rolls and a sharp decline in HIV impairments, both of which are predominantly male incidence categories. It is also interesting to note that the decline in incidence rates among females did not necessarily translate into a decline in the number of benefits awarded in this specific age range. This is due to the relatively large increases in female labor force participation. Over the 10-year period ending in 1996, labor force participation rates among females age 35-54 increased between 3.5-10.0 percentage points resulting in an additional 10.7 million disability insured. Over the same period and age range, male labor force participation decreased by roughly 2.0-2.5 percentage points.

Some of the same factors that affect the number of DI applicants can also affect incidence rates. In general, the decline in incidence between 1975-82 is attributable, in part, to a stricter program. Following a very low-growth period in incidence from 1983-89, the program experienced a surge in claims beginning in 1990, and incidence rates rose significantly and remained relatively high through 1995. In the late 1990s, the prevailing economic and political environment was characterized by robust economic expansion, low unemployment, and legislative restrictions on the qualifications of certain impairments. In addition, advancements in medical treatment; public need for employer-sponsored healthcare protection; and pursuit of financial goals for retirement may have provided incentive to remain in the labor force, if possible. These factors contributed to the decline in applications and awards during this period.

The sharp increase in incidence rates over 2001-04 represents a notable departure from the experience of the late 1990s, which generally showed modest annual declines in the age-sex-adjusted rate. While the aging of the baby-boom is always recognized as a factor in program growth, the increase in incidence in 2001 is likely due in large part to the severe economic contraction experienced in that year. However, special administrative activity by SSA beginning in 2001 has also contributed slightly to the surge in awards. As previously mentioned, the special disability workload was the result of discovering a substantial number of SSI recipients whose disability-insured status was not previously recognized. As this caseload is processed over the next several years, the resulting disability awards will contribute to temporarily higher incidence rates than would be expected from current underlying trends.

Table 5 presents historical termination data for disabled workers. Termination experience is discussed in detail in the next section.

Table 6 shows the number of disabled workers in current-payment status, at the end of calendar years 1980-2004. The current-payment population is derived from the in-force beneficiary population (not shown), which is reduced by the number of entitled individuals whose benefits are suspended. Common reasons for the suspension of DI benefits include: engagement in SGA following completion of a trial work period; worker's compensation offset; or imprisonment. Over the period 1983-2004, the current-payment population has grown at an average annual rate of roughly 4.3 percent, as growth in awards has steadily outpaced growth in terminations. Note that as a consequence of the scheduled increase in normal retirement age, there appear DI beneficiaries age 65 or older for the first time in 2003. The following table summarizes the progression of the DI rolls.

Growth in the DI disabled worker rolls
(Grouped by selected calendar periods 1)
Calendar
period
Disability insured2
Awards
Terminations
Current-payment
Number beginning
of period
Number
end of
period
Annual growth
rate 3
Number
Annual growth
rate 4
Number
Annual growth
rate 4
Number beginning
of period
Number
end of
period
Annual growth
rate 3
1976-1978
85,305,000
93,701,900
3.2%
1,611,143
-5.8%
1,216,903
9.3%
2,487,630
2,878,152
5.0%
1979-1983
93,701,900
105,380,900
2.4
2,006,327
-1.7
2,315,455
1.1
2,878,152
2,564,071
-2.3
1984-1989
105,380,900
118,061,700
1.9
2,517,254
0.1
2,169,479
-4.0
2,564,071
2,890,569
2.0
1990-1998
118,061,700
134,653,500
1.5
5,390,228
4.2
3,537,039
1.7
2,890,569
4,690,942
5.5
1999-2004
134,653,500
146,148,700
1.4
4,255,616
4.6
2,741,299
2.1
4,690,942
6,198,224
4.8

1Grouped by periods exhibiting a consistent year-over-year growth in the current-payment population.

2Number insured at end of the 1999-2004 period is a preliminary estimate.

3Average annual growth rate from the beginning of the period to the end of the period.

4Average annual year-over-year growth during the period.


IV. EXPERIENCE OF DISABILITY BENEFIT TERMINATION

A. Background

The reasons for termination of DI disabled worker benefits can be grouped into four main categories:

Generally, the final month of entitlement to disability benefits for a worker is the earliest of the following:

The law contains several provisions for individuals who wish to return to work, but continue to have a disabling impairment:

The trial work period (TWP) is a 9-month period—not necessarily consecutive—during which an entitled beneficiary may work without affecting the right to benefits. Earnings during the 9 months are not counted toward SGA, and benefits will continue as long as the beneficiary has not medically recovered.

Individuals who continue to have a disabling impairment following the 9-month TWP, receive an extended period of eligibility (EPE). Earnings during the EPE are counted toward SGA, and monthly benefits will not be paid when such earnings exceed the SGA limit. If earnings fall below the SGA limit anytime during the EPE, benefits are automatically reinstated. Effective January 1, 1988, the law was amended to lengthen the EPE from 15 months to 36 months for individuals entitled to benefits in January 1988 or later.

After 24 months of disability entitlement, a beneficiary becomes eligible for Medicare coverage—regardless of age—and receives services as long as DI entitlement continues. In the case of an individual engaging in SGA, coverage is provided throughout the TWP and EPE. Medicare benefits were further extended through a provision of the Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act of 1999 (Public Law 106-170)—effective October 1, 2000, coverage for beneficiaries who return to work will continue for an additional 4 1/2 years beyond the EPE.

The Ticket to Work Act also allows certain previously entitled individuals to request expedited reinstatement (EXR) of disability benefits when a disabling impairment no longer permits the performance of SGA. The provision provides a safety net for those who successfully return to work and, consequently, lose entitlement to disability benefits. EXR allows an individual to request reinstatement without filing a new application, and provides up to 6 months of provisional (temporary) cash benefits while SSA conducts a medical review to determine whether the individual can be reinstated. The request for reinstatement must be filed within 5 years of the termination of disability benefits. EXR became effective January 1, 2001.

Special provisions are granted to persons experiencing multiple periods of disability. Individuals who become re-entitled to benefits within 5 years of the end of a previous period of disability are not required to satisfy the 5-month waiting period. In addition, the 24-month waiting period for Medicare coverage need not be consecutive months and time may accrue over multiple periods of disability.

Beginning at age 62, a disabled worker may elect to receive old-age benefits in lieu of disability benefits. Although most disabled beneficiaries elect to receive DI benefits until normal retirement age—at which time conversion to benefits payable under the Old-Age and Survivors Insurance (OASI) program occurs automatically—some choose to switch earlier. This decision is influenced by economic as well as personal factors. One of the most common reasons is the existence of benefits payable outside the DI program. For example, worker's compensation benefits may partially or totally offset a DI benefit, but would not affect an OASI benefit. Another common economic factor is the difference in maximum family benefits payable under the DI program, which may be lower than the maximum payable under the OASI program. Personal factors may include the beneficiary's own assessment of health and life expectancy.

Recovery from disability may occur when the beneficiary either notifies SSA of an improved disabling condition, demonstrates the ability to engage in SGA, or is judged to no longer meet the definition of disability. The DDS or the central office will conduct a continuing disability review (CDR) from time to time based on warranting situations such as:

Certain "outside" variables such as disability caseloads, backlogs, budget restrictions, and legislation can have an impact on CDR activity and disability recovery rates in general, without actually affecting the underlying rate of medical improvement. These factors shape the prevailing administrative policy and can exert considerable influence on the nature of allowances, and the degree of overall impairment-severity of the DI rolls. To a lesser extent, mortality rates are also affected by exogenous variables. For example, the elimination of drug and alcohol related impairments, and an increase in allowance based on vocational factors or mental impairments may lead to an improvement in the overall mortality profile of the DI rolls.

B. History

Many variables can affect the rate at which beneficiaries are terminated from the disability rolls, including:

The Social Security Amendments of 1965 (Public Law 89-97) modified the definition of disability by replacing the requirement of permanent disability with the expectation that the disability last at least 12 months. This led to the entitlement of less seriously impaired claimants and lower mortality rates among the disabled. The 1967 amendments eased the insured status requirements for claimants under age 31. A growing portion of younger and relatively healthier beneficiaries further contributed to the decline in the mortality rates of the DI rolls.

As mortality rates fell in the early years of the program, the gross recovery rate generally increased. With the introduction of government-funded rehabilitation programs, elimination of the "permanently disabled" condition, and the extension of benefits to younger claimants, the recovery rate among beneficiaries rose from 19 per thousand in 1965 to 32 per thousand by 1967. Thereafter, the gross recovery rate decreased rapidly through 1975. This was due in large part to changes in the administration of the program. With the introduction of the Black Lung and SSI programs in the early 1970s, workload pressures resulted in the suspension or curtailment of some administrative review procedures. For example, by 1972 the central office reviewed only 10 percent of DDS continuances in which medical recovery was expected. Previously, 100 percent of such continuances were reviewed. By 1976, the gross recovery rate began to increase again as central office review of continuances returned to 100 percent.

Throughout the 1970s, the DI program experienced substantial increases in cost, mainly the result of significant growth in incidence. Under then-current policy, reviews were performed only in those cases where the beneficiary's condition was expected to improve, or voluntary reports or posted earnings indicated work activity. However, by the late 1970s measures to curtail inaccurate award determinations and improve the review process were intensified. One significant provision of the 1980 amendments required that beneficiaries with non-permanent impairments be reviewed every 3 years, and permanently disabled beneficiaries be reviewed at intervals determined by the Commissioner. Using that legislative mandate, the Reagan Administration initiated a major review of the disability rolls that resulted in a large number of cases in which it was determined that recovery had occurred.

Ensuing public disapproval of the newly implemented review process led to a moratorium on reviews of all cases of mental impairment disability.11 Revision of mental impairment criteria and the review process followed and more than half of those removed from the rolls were reinstated upon appeal. The result was a sharp drop in recoveries as well as a sharp increase in new awards throughout the remainder of the 1980s.

C. Recent Experience

In the latter part of the 1980s, the agency experienced reductions in both work force and administrative funding. By the early 1990s, there existed a shortage of personnel needed to handle a significant increase in claims, as well as to meet review schedules. In an effort to free up resources to process initial claims, the agency sharply curbed the review of existing beneficiaries. Beginning in 1994, growth in initial claims began to level-off and once again attention shifted to performing mandated reviews. Congress enacted the Contract With America Advancement Act of 1996 (Public Law 104-121), which included a provision authorizing the appropriation of funds to be used exclusively to conduct additional CDRs. As intended, the special funding helped to eliminate DI backlogs by the end of 2000, and to become essentially current in the processing of SSI-only CDRs by the end of 2002. Since then, administrative budget delays have caused the agency to fall behind in processing certain SSI CDRs, emphasizing the need for renewed funding and revised scheduling plans.

Table 5 shows the historical number of terminations and gross termination rates for disabled workers, by reason for decrement. As evident from the data, most terminations occur as a result of death or conversion. With the exception of a sharp decrease in conversions in 200312, both categories exhibit steady long-term trends with little variation from year-to-year. In contrast, the number of recoveries can deviate considerably from a somewhat normal level. As previously mentioned, exogenous variables can greatly impact this category—and consequently the recovery rate—without actually affecting the underlying rate of medical improvement. As an example, we see that a spike in recoveries occurred in 1997 as the result of a provision of Public Law 104-121, which eliminated drug and alcohol addiction from the impairment listings and explicitly denied benefits in cases where drug or alcohol addiction were contributing material factors to the disability. Although categorized as "recoveries", this group of beneficiaries was simply eliminated from the rolls due to a change in law. "Other" is a relatively small category comprised mostly of individuals who switch to old-age benefits prior to normal retirement age. Figure 3 shows the distribution of DI disabled worker terminations by reason.

Figure 3.—Disabled Worker Terminations
by Reason, Calendar Years 1980-2004
(In thousands)
[D]

As mentioned, death and conversion account for most of the terminations that occur, and the general trend in termination rates has been downward. Figure 4 shows the distribution of DI disabled worker termination rates by reason. Several trends in the disability rolls have developed over the years which help explain the decline: mortality improvements and a reduction in the average age of beneficiaries.

Over the period 1980-95, the average age among male disabled workers in current-payment status steadily declined from 52.8 to 49.8 years. The proportion of the DI rolls made up of beneficiaries aged 35-49 grew from 20 percent in 1980 to 34 percent in 1995, while the proportion of 50-64 year olds fell from 71 percent to 55 percent. Similar trends were experienced among female disabled workers as the average age declined from 53.7 to 49.9 years. Higher incidence of mental disorders has led to an increase in younger and (physically) healthier beneficiaries. The result is fewer deaths, as well as a smaller percentage of beneficiaries converting to old-age benefits each year.

Since 1995, the average age among disabled workers in current-payment status has steadily increased. In 2004, the average age of disabled males was 51.6 years. The proportion of the DI rolls made up of beneficiaries aged 35-49 declined slightly to 29 percent, while the proportion of 50-64 year olds grew to 62 percent. Similar trends were experienced among female disabled workers as the average age climbed to 51.4 years. Note that the increase in average age is mostly an effect of the aging baby-boom generation and has not yet resulted in any significant increase in conversions. The trend in termination rates continues to be downward, in large part due to mortality improvements, as well as the scheduled increase in normal retirement age.

Figure 4.—Disabled Worker Termination Rates
by Reason, Calendar Years 1980-2004
(Per thousand exposed)
[D]

Medical progress has significantly contributed to longer life expectancy among the general population. Certain advancements have also had a considerable, albeit less quantifiable, impact on selected segments of the disability population. Over the period 1980-89, the DI rolls show gross rates ranging from roughly 50-55 deaths per thousand males, and 35-40 deaths per thousand females. Throughout the early 1990s, mortality gradually improved. A noticeable decline in the death rate after 1995, especially among males, is due in part to the rapidly diminishing impact of HIV-related impairments and the elimination of drug and alcohol addiction from the impairment listings. Other significant trends leading to a lower mortality profile of the disability rolls include: increasing prevelance of musculoskeletal and mental impairments, which tend to be less life-threatening than circulatory or neoplastic disorders; advancements in the treatment of malignant growths; and a greater proportion of awards to older workers, whose determinations are based on a set of vocational factors rather than a single severe disability. Over the period 2000-04, the DI rolls show stable gross rates of roughly 35 deaths per thousand males, and 26 deaths per thousand females.

D. Death Experience (1996-2000)

Tables 7A-7C show the probability of death for male and female DI disabled workers, by select age at entitlement to disability benefits; and duration—measured in years since selection. Data reflect the actual experience of the DI rolls from January 1, 1996 through December 31, 2000. The methods used in table construction and graduation are detailed in the appendix.

Mortality among disabled workers generally increases with select age. For any given select age, the probability of death is greatest during the first year of entitlement, then decreases dramatically during the second and third years of entitlement. Death probabilities tend to level off sometime around the fifth or sixth duration for males, and the third or fourth duration for females. For older select ages, mortality is lowest at these durations before trending upward in the later durations as general demographic factors such as age of the beneficiary begin to have an increasing effect. Greater consideration given to vocational factors, especially after age 50, may cause a slight decline in mortality. Disability mortality among males is higher than females for virtually all attained ages. Unique data considerations affecting estimates of disability mortality—such as death during the waiting period and tracking DI beneficiaries upon conversion to old-age benefits—are discussed in the appendix.

An analysis of broad age categories may explain some of the trends and characteristics of disability mortality. Disabled males under age 35 show the highest concentration of mental disorders, infectious and nervous impairments, and injuries. Disabled males aged 35-49 show a consistent mix of various impairments following the predominant mental and musculoskeletal categories; an increase in circulatory and neoplastic impairments is apparent. Disabled males aged 50 or older show the highest concentration of musculoskeletal awards, along with considerable increases in circulatory, neoplastic, and respiratory disorders; though still an important category, the prevalence of mental impairments is down considerably from the younger age groups.

Females show comparable trends in broad age categories with a few categorical changes. Disabled females under age 35 show the highest concentration of mental disorders—over 43 percent of new awards occurred in this category in 2002. Disabled females aged 35-49 continue to show high incidence of mental and nervous impairments, along with large increases in musculoskeletal and neoplastic disorders. Disabled females aged 50 or older show the highest prevalence of new awards in the musculoskeletal, mental, and neoplasm categories.

Due to the many reasons already discussed, disability mortality over the 5-year period covered in this study (1996-2000) has improved for roughly 80 percent of all attained ages among male and female beneficiaries, when compared to the previous 5-year period (1991-95)13. Among males, mortality in the more recent period is generally 5-20 percent lower than mortality in the earlier period, with dramatic reductions of 35-45 percent at some younger select ages. The improvements at the younger ages are largely due to advancements in HIV treatment and legislation eliminating drug and alcohol addiction from the impairment listings. Mortality improvement among females is as widespread but less dramaitic as that seen among males, generally ranging from 5-15 percent lower than the earlier period.

Tables 8A-8C show the progression of a series of cohorts—each for a given select age—reflecting the probabilities of death shown in tables 7A-7C. These survival tables are a concise way of representing the probabilities of a particular population living to a particular age. See appendix for details on table construction and usage.

Tables 9A-9C show the expected future lifetime of DI disabled workers. Values are based on the survivorship experience shown in tables 8A-8C. As with the general population, disabled females display a higher future lifetime than males. Note that life expectancy is generally greater during the second or third year of entitlement than during the first year of entitlement. This is due to relatively higher mortality rates within the first several years of disability, after which workers seem to show a greater propensity for disability continuation or non-death termination.

Tables 10A-10C show the absolute rate of death per thousand entitled disabled workers. These rates are derived from the probabilities of death shown in tables 7A-7C, and represent a different concept in measuring the rate of termination from the DI rolls. Absolute rates consider only the effect of a single decrement in a multiple-decrement environment, reflecting the probability of survival and ultimately termination under that one decrement. These are not true probabilities and as such are expressed on a "per thousand" basis. See the appendix for further details.

Tables 11 and 12 show the aggregate probability of death and expected future lifetime, by select and attained age. Probabilities are based on aggregate counts of exposure and deaths across all durations. They represent the average probability of death within one year for beneficiaries originally entitled at a particular select age (table 11), or who have attained a particular age (table 12). Similarly, aggregate future lifetime represents the average life expectancy of beneficiaries for a particular select or attained age. Values are exposure-weighted averages of the select-and-ultimate future lifetimes shown in tables 9A-9C.

Table 13 shows the aggregate probability of death and expected future lifetime, by duration. Probabilities are based on aggregate counts of exposure and deaths across all select ages, and represent the average probability of death within the next year of entitlement to disability benefits. Aggregate future lifetime represents the average life expectancy of beneficiaries who have been entitled for the stated number of years.

E. Recovery Experience (1996-2000)

Tables 14A-14B show the probability of recovery for male and female DI disabled workers, by select age and duration. In general, chances of recovery decline with advancing select age. For any particular select age, the probability of recovery exhibits a bimodal distribution. Disability recovery tends to peak during the second year of entitlement before declining the following year, then peaks again at its maximum level in the fifth year of entitlement before declining thereafter. This effect is likely caused by CDR schedules, which are based on the likelihood of medical improvement. Beneficiaries for whom medical improvement is expected (MIE) account for roughly 5-10 percent of all reviews, which are scheduled anywhere from 6 to 24 months following the most recent disability decision. Roughly 10.5 percent of MIEs result in an initial cessation (i.e., those occurring before any appeal of decision) of benefits, causing the first peak in recoveries. Beneficiaries for whom medical improvement is possible but less likely to occur within the first 2 years (MIP) account for roughly 65-70 percent of reviews, which are scheduled every 36 months. Roughly 8.5 percent of MIPs result in an initial cessation of benefits, causing the second peak in recoveries. Beneficiaries for whom medical improvement is not expected (MINE) account for roughly 25-30 percent of reviews, which are scheduled every 5 to 7 years. Roughly 4.5 percent of MINEs result in an initial cessation of benefits.

As previously stated, the probability of death among males exceeds that for females for virtually all attained ages, as males experience nearly twice the incidence of high risk circulatory disorders and two-thirds more injuries. The probability of recovery among males also exceeds that for females in over 85 percent of all attained ages. Evidence suggests that this may be due to differences in the concentration of impairment categories among genders, especially at older ages. During the observation period, both sexes exhibit high prevalence of mental and musculoskeletal impairments. However the relative concentration of mental impairments among females is much greater—18 percent higher overall, and 25 percent higher among ages 50 or older. The nature of these types of impairments seems to contribute to both lower mortality and lower chance of recovery among female disabled workers.

Analysis of the 5-year period covered in this study shows a dramatic increase in the rate of disability recovery for virtually all male and female beneficiaries, when compared to the previous 5-year period (1991-95)14. For males, most ages exhibit a 50-100 percent increase in the probability of recovery, while females show increases ranging from 25-75 percent. A disproportionate amount of the improvement is attributable to the elimination of beneficiaries whose disability was based on drug or alcohol addiction, causing a one-time spike in recoveries in 1997. That year, the overall recovery rate among males more than doubled to 27 per thousand entitled versus 12 per thousand in the prior year. Females also experienced a surge to 16 per thousand versus 10 per thousand in the prior year.

As previously mentioned, exogenous variables can also influence recovery rates. During 1991-95, the DI program experienced significant growth in claims, which limited the number of CDRs performed over that period. This trend was reversed through enactment of Public Law 104-121 in 1996, which provided special funding for CDR activity, and contributed significantly to the large increase in recoveries over 1996-2000.

Tables 15A-15B show the number of lives for a series of cohorts—each for a given select age—reflecting the probabilities of recovery shown in tables 14A-14B. Note that in this case, the concept of "survival" refers to beneficiaries who remain on the DI rolls by not recovering.

Tables 16A-16B show the expected number of future years of disability entitlement for those who have not recovered and remain on the DI rolls. Values are based on the survivorship experience shown in tables 15A-15B, which reflect termination due to recovery only, and automatic conversion to old-age benefits upon attaining normal retirement age. As previously discussed, males tend to exhibit a greater chance of recovery than females. Analysis shows that, on average, females remain on the disability rolls roughly 6 months longer than males.

Tables 17A-17B show the absolute rate of recovery per thousand entitled disabled workers, which are derived from the probabilities of recovery shown in tables 14A-14B. See the appendix for details on the derivation of these rates.

Tables 18 and 19 show the aggregate probability of recovery and expected time on the DI rolls, by select and attained age. Probabilities are based on aggregate counts of exposure and recoveries across all durations. They represent the average probability of recovery within one year for beneficiaries originally entitled at a particular select age (table 18), or who have attained a particular age (table 19). Similarly, expected time on the DI rolls represents the average number of future years of entitlement for those who remain on the rolls. These values are exposure-weighted averages of the values shown in tables 16A-16B, which reflect termination due to recovery only, and automatic conversion to old-age benefits upon attaining normal retirement age.

Table 20 shows the aggregate probability of recovery and expected time on the DI rolls, by duration. Probabilities are based on aggregate counts of exposure and recoveries across all select ages, and represent the average probability of recovery within the next year of entitlement to disability benefits. Expected time on the DI rolls represents the average number of future years of entitlement—reflecting termination due to recovery only—for those who have not recovered after the stated number of years.

F. Combined Experience (1996-2000)

Tables 21A-21B show the combined probability of death or recovery for male and female DI disabled workers, by select age and duration. Values are derived from death probabilities shown in tables 7A-7B and recovery probabilities shown in tables 14A-14B.

Tables 22A-22C show the number of lives for a series of cohorts, reflecting termination from DI entitlement due to death or recovery. The tables also reflect termination from OASI entitlement due to death, following conversion to old-age benefits.

Tables 23A-23B show the expected number of future years of combined DI and OASI entitlement for those originally entitled to disability benefits. Values are based on survivorship experience shown in tables 22A-22C, which reflect automatic conversion to old-age benefits upon attaining normal retirement age.

Tables 24A-24B show the expected number of future years of DI entitlement for those who have not died or recovered. Values are based on survivorship experience shown in tables 22A-22B. Entitlement is not considered after conversion to old-age benefits.

Tables 25 and 26 show the aggregate probability of death or recovery and expected time on the beneficiary rolls, by select and attained age. Values are derived from the average death and recovery probabilities discussed previously. They represent the average probability of total decrement within one year for beneficiaries originally entitled at a particular select age (table 25), or who have attained a particular age (table 26). Aggregate expected time on the OASDI rolls represents the average number of future years of combined entitlement for those originally entitled to disability benefits. These values are exposure-weighted averages of expected time on the combined rolls shown in tables 23A-23B, and reflect automatic conversion to old-age benefits upon attaining normal retirement age. Aggregate expected time on the DI rolls represents the average number of future years of disability entitlement. These values are exposure-weighted averages of expected time on the DI rolls shown in tables 24A-24B. Entitlement is not considered after conversion to old-age benefits.

Table 27 shows the aggregate probability of death or recovery and expected time on the beneficiary rolls, by duration. Values are derived from average death and recovery probabilities, and represent the average probability of total decrement within the next year of entitlement. Aggregate expected time on the OASDI rolls represents the average number of future years of combined entitlement for those originally entitled to disability benefits who have not died or recovered after the stated number of years. Aggregate expected time on the DI rolls represents the average number of future years of disability entitlement for those who have not died or recovered after the stated number of years.

G. Annuity Tables

Tables 28A-31D show the present value of a stream of payments to a disabled worker, by select age at entitlement. Annual or monthly payments are made at the beginning (annuity-due) or end (annuity-immediate) of each period. Receipt of payment is contingent upon survival to the next payment date. Note that "survival" denotes remaining entitled to benefits, which may imply not recovering as well as not dying. Payments are discounted using the stated annual effective interest rate and various survivorship assumptions. Tables 28A-29D show the actuarial present value of a life annuity of $1 payable to a disabled worker. Values are based on survivorship experience shown in tables 8A-8C, which reflect termination due to death only, and automatic conversion to old-age benefits upon attaining normal retirement age. Tables 30A-31D show the actuarial present value of a life annuity of $1 payable to a disabled worker until age 65. Values are based on survivorship experience shown in tables 22A-22B, which reflect termination due to death or recovery.

Table 1.—Disabled Worker Benefits Awarded, by Impairment Category
(Percentage distribution by year of award, 1982-2003 Social Security DI disability experience)
Impairment listing
category1
2003
2002
2001
2000
1999
1998
1997
1996
1995
1994
1993
1992
1991
1990
1989
1988
1987
1986
1985
1984
1983
1982
 
Male
Musculoskeletal 2
24.7%
23.8%
22.9%
22.9%
22.6%
22.4%
22.2%
21.6%
20.7%
12.6%
13.9%
14.2%
16.2%
14.8%
15.6%
15.3%
14.1%
12.4%
12.1%
12.0%
12.6%
15.1%
Mental disorders 3
23.0
23.0
23.0
21.4
20.5
19.8
18.8
19.5
21.7
23.0
24.7
24.4
22.1
21.2
19.6
20.0
18.9
28.6
17.8
17.6
15.8
10.2
Circulatory 4
14.4
14.6
15.4
15.4
15.3
15.9
16.4
15.6
15.6
16.4
16.5
16.6
17.1
18.3
19.1
20.5
21.1
20.4
22.1
22.7
25.0
28.2
Neoplasms 5
9.1
9.5
9.6
10.5
10.3
10.1
10.1
9.6
9.3
13.1
11.7
11.2
12.0
13.0
13.2
12.1
12.3
11.6
13.5
15.2
15.5
15.8
Nervous system 6
8.2
8.1
8.1
7.8
7.5
7.3
7.1
6.7
6.5
7.1
6.5
6.7
7.0
7.3
7.4
7.8
7.8
6.8
7.2
7.4
7.9
8.3
Injuries
4.6
4.9
5.0
5.1
5.2
5.2
5.4
5.3
5.0
4.2
4.3
4.5
5.2
5.5
5.8
5.9
5.9
4.6
5.2
5.3
5.8
6.2
Respiratory 7
4.1
4.0
4.1
4.3
4.3
4.4
4.4
4.3
4.3
4.6
4.1
4.1
4.3
4.7
5.0
5.7
5.4
5.8
5.4
5.4
6.0
7.1
Nutritional/metabolic 8
3.1
3.3
3.0
2.9
4.6
4.6
4.4
4.1
3.7
3.4
3.3
3.1
2.7
2.5
2.5
2.7
5.0
4.9
4.0
3.5
4.1
3.8
Infectious/parasitic 9
1.9
2.0
2.3
2.5
2.7
2.9
3.7
5.4
6.3
8.2
8.3
8.7
7.4
6.5
1.1
0.6
1.3
0.6
0.8
0.8
2.1
0.8
Other 10
6.9
6.8
6.6
7.2
7.0
7.4
7.5
7.9
6.9
7.4
6.7
6.5
6.0
6.2
10.7
9.4
8.2
4.3
11.9
10.1
5.2
4.5
Total
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
 
Female
Mental disorders 3
28.2
28.3
28.0
26.0
24.8
23.9
23.6
23.3
24.6
27.6
28.5
28.1
26.0
24.8
23.0
22.7
20.8
32.0
19.0
18.6
17.3
11.5
Musculoskeletal 2
28.2
27.2
26.7
26.8
25.0
24.6
24.3
24.6
23.7
14.6
16.4
16.9
19.1
17.9
19.0
19.4
17.7
14.6
15.0
14.6
15.2
19.5
Neoplasms 5
9.7
10.1
10.4
11.5
11.0
11.0
11.2
10.9
11.0
15.8
14.2
13.7
14.5
16.1
15.9
15.2
15.2
15.1
16.9
19.4
19.9
20.1
Nervous system 6
8.9
8.8
9.0
9.0
8.7
8.5
8.5
8.3
8.2
8.5
8.3
8.5
9.0
9.4
9.5
9.6
9.7
8.3
8.5
9.0
9.5
10.6
Circulatory 4
7.8
7.9
8.1
8.3
8.2
8.7
8.8
9.0
9.0
9.5
9.6
9.8
10.3
11.0
11.7
12.3
13.4
11.8
13.6
13.8
15.1
17.1
Nutritional/metabolic 8
3.1
3.9
3.3
3.2
7.6
7.7
7.5
7.2
7.1
7.5
7.4
7.4
5.5
5.2
4.9
5.1
5.2
5.4
5.5
5.1
6.4
5.9
Respiratory 7
4.4
4.2
4.3
4.5
4.4
4.6
4.6
4.6
4.6
5.3
4.6
4.5
4.6
4.9
5.0
5.5
5.7
5.2
5.2
5.0
5.2
5.5
Injuries
2.8
3.1
3.1
3.0
3.0
3.1
3.2
3.3
3.2
2.5
2.6
2.9
3.3
3.4
3.6
3.6
3.3
2.6
2.7
3.0
3.3
4.0
Infectious/parasitic 9
0.9
0.9
1.0
1.0
1.0
1.1
1.2
1.5
1.6
1.8
1.8
1.9
1.5
1.4
0.6
0.8
0.8
0.8
0.8
1.0
2.2
0.8
Other 10
6.0
5.6
6.1
6.7
6.3
6.8
7.1
7.3
7.0
6.9
6.6
6.3
6.2
5.9
6.8
5.8
8.2
4.2
12.8
10.5
5.9
5.0
Total
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
 
Total
Musculoskeletal 2
26.3
25.4
24.7
24.7
23.7
23.4
23.1
22.9
22.0
13.4
14.8
15.2
17.2
15.9
16.8
16.8
15.3
13.1
13.0
12.8
13.4
16.4
Mental disorders 3
25.4
25.4
25.5
23.5
22.5
21.7
21.0
21.2
23.0
24.8
26.1
25.8
23.5
22.5
20.8
20.9
19.5
29.7
18.2
17.9
16.3
10.6
Circulatory 4
11.4
11.5
11.9
12.2
12.1
12.6
13.1
12.9
12.9
13.7
14.0
14.1
14.6
15.7
16.5
17.6
18.5
17.6
19.3
19.8
21.9
24.9
Neoplasms 5
9.4
9.8
10.0
10.9
10.6
10.5
10.6
10.1
10.0
14.1
12.6
12.1
12.9
14.1
14.2
13.2
13.3
12.8
14.6
16.5
16.8
17.1
Nervous system 6
8.5
8.4
8.5
8.4
8.0
7.8
7.8
7.4
7.2
7.6
7.2
7.4
7.7
8.1
8.2
8.4
8.5
7.3
7.6
7.9
8.4
9.0
Respiratory 7
4.2
4.1
4.2
4.4
4.3
4.5
4.5
4.5
4.5
4.9
4.3
4.3
4.4
4.7
5.0
5.6
5.5
5.6
5.4
5.3
5.8
6.6
Nutritional/metabolic 8
3.1
3.6
3.1
3.0
6.0
6.0
5.8
5.4
5.2
5.0
4.9
4.7
3.7
3.5
3.4
3.5
5.1
5.1
4.5
4.0
4.8
4.4
Injuries
3.8
4.1
4.1
4.2
4.2
4.3
4.4
4.4
4.3
3.6
3.7
3.9
4.5
4.8
5.1
5.1
5.0
4.0
4.4
4.5
5.0
5.6
Infectious/parasitic 9
1.4
1.5
1.7
1.8
1.9
2.1
2.6
3.7
4.3
5.7
5.9
6.2
5.3
4.7
0.9
0.7
1.1
0.7
0.8
0.9
2.2
0.8
Other 10
6.5
6.2
6.3
6.9
6.7
7.1
7.1
7.5
6.6
7.2
6.5
6.3
6.2
6.0
9.1
8.2
8.2
4.1
12.2
10.4
5.4
4.6
Total
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0

1Ranked by average percentage over the 5-year period 1998-2002.

2Includes listings for arthritis, amputation, back and bone disorders.

3Includes listings for schizophrenia, paranoia, mental retardation, and personality disorders.

4Includes listings for heart disease, hypertension, and aneurysm.

5Includes listings for malignant growths.

6Includes listings for epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, cerebral palsy, and multiple sclerosis.

7Includes listings for asthma, tuberculosis, and cystic fibrosis.

8Includes listings for diabetes and disorders of the thyroid, pituitary, and adrenal glands. Effective October 1999, the Listing of Impairments was changed to eliminate awards based solely on obesity.

9Includes listings for impairments specifically related to HIV beginning in 1990.

10Includes listings for congenital anomalies, and blood, digestive, genitourinary, and skin disorders; data for 1984-85 reflect a significant number of cases for which diagnosis was not available.

Source: Annual Statistical Supplement to the Social Security Bulletin (1984-2002); Annual Statistical Report on the Social Security Disability Insurance Program (2003).


Table 2.—Disposition of Worker Applications for Disability Benefits, by Level of Review
(Break out by program involvement and calendar year of filing1, 1993-2004 Social Security DI disability experience)
Year of
filing
Total
claims
filed
Initial decisions
 
Reconsiderations
 
Appeals beyond reconsideration2
Pending
Allowances
Denials
Pending
Allowances
Denials
Total
No
appeal
Appeals of
initial denials
Total
No
appeal
Appeals of
recon denials
 
Allowances
 
Number
Percent3
To recon
To OHA4
Percent5
Number
Percent3
To OHA6
Percent5
Pending7
Number
Percent8
Denials9
 
DI claims (title II only)
1993
571,464
240,038
42.0
331,426
124,820
206,606
62.3
 
27,224
13.2
179,382
36,606
142,776
79.6
 
112,562
78.8
30,214
1994
591,408
232,303
39.3
359,105
133,092
226,013
62.9
 
31,395
13.9
194,618
40,284
154,334
79.3
 
119,315
77.3
35,019
1995
569,962
222,745
39.1
347,217
128,268
218,949
63.1
 
31,494
14.4
187,455
38,424
149,031
79.5
 
113,722
76.3
35,309
1996
593,978
236,739
39.9
357,239
130,920
226,319
63.4
 
33,522
14.8
192,797
37,158
155,639
80.7
 
116,172
74.6
39,467
1997
551,891
228,194
41.3
323,697
117,628
203,492
2,577
63.7
 
33,238
16.3
170,254
31,826
138,428
81.3
 
1,953
107,174
77.1
31,878
1998
550,773
238,250
43.3
312,523
113,257
198,934
332
63.8
 
33,979
17.1
164,955
30,422
134,533
81.6
 
1,445
104,375
78.2
29,045
1999
578,743
259,372
44.8
319,371
115,823
195,084
8,464
63.7
 
33,004
16.9
162,080
29,524
132,556
81.8
 
2,137
109,255
78.7
29,628
2000
615,346
284,222
46.2
331,124
122,524
175,652
32,948
63.0
 
31,379
17.9
144,273
24,817
119,456
82.8
 
4,605
116,055
78.5
31,744
2001
670,481
324,239
48.4
346,242
130,867
171,398
43,977
62.2
 
30,663
17.9
140,735
24,505
116,230
82.6
 
12,937
117,930
80.1
29,340
2002
712,653
324,635
45.6
388,018
148,994
185,257
53,767
61.6
 
31,150
16.8
154,107
28,075
126,032
81.8
 
59,067
99,155
82.1
21,577
2003
713,717
5,586
314,309
44.4
393,822
164,118
177,103
52,601
58.3
 
16,613
24,202
15.1
136,288
34,087
102,201
75.0
 
121,603
28,362
85.4
4,837
2004
706,427
125,340
266,667
45.9
314,420
157,325
124,142
32,953
50.0
 
32,060
15,281
16.6
76,801
32,982
43,819
57.1
 
69,287
6,636
88.7
849
 
DI claims involving concurrent SSI (title XVI) claims
1993
672,723
179,164
26.6
493,559
231,014
262,545
53.2
 
30,816
11.7
231,729
67,359
164,370
70.9
 
105,203
64.0
59,167
1994
661,444
156,356
23.6
505,088
241,370
263,718
52.2
 
31,144
11.8
232,574
70,049
162,525
69.9
 
101,278
62.3
61,247
1995
607,798
142,626
23.5
465,172
226,086
239,086
51.4
 
28,830
12.1
210,256
62,538
147,718
70.3
 
88,875
60.2
58,843
1996
602,831
145,577
24.1
457,254
219,013
238,241
52.1
 
31,716
13.3
206,525
61,554
144,971
70.2
 
88,253
60.9
56,718
1997
505,903
128,157
25.3
377,746
180,697
194,776
2,273
52.2
 
26,453
13.6
168,323
44,327
123,996
73.7
 
2,616
78,282
63.3
45,371
1998
490,589
134,321
27.4
356,268
170,569
185,407
292
52.1
 
27,558
14.9
157,849
41,538
116,311
73.7
 
1,726
73,969
64.4
40,908
1999
486,543
136,553
28.1
349,990
168,334
173,747
7,909
51.9
 
24,452
14.1
149,295
38,570
110,725
74.2
 
2,485
75,816
65.3
40,333
2000
515,762
151,581
29.4
364,181
176,663
157,047
30,471
51.5
 
23,349
14.9
133,698
33,137
100,561
75.2
 
5,370
81,841
65.1
43,821
2001
575,692
170,033
29.5
405,659
198,224
167,327
40,108
51.1
 
23,942
14.3
143,385
36,083
107,302
74.8
 
16,782
86,461
66.2
44,167
2002
660,741
178,873
27.1
481,868
237,645
194,593
49,630
50.7
 
25,371
13.0
169,222
44,302
124,920
73.8
 
69,784
71,046
67.8
33,720
2003
725,987
6,378
185,504
25.8
534,105
281,598
198,026
54,481
47.3
 
21,472
19,963
11.3
156,591
52,523
104,068
66.5
 
134,450
16,914
70.2
7,185
2004
779,055
151,507
165,124
26.3
462,424
289,588
136,332
36,504
37.4
 
37,926
11,154
11.3
87,252
42,031
45,221
51.8
 
76,800
3,722
75.6
1,203
 
Total claims
1993
1,244,187
419,202
33.7
824,985
355,834
469,151
56.9
 
58,040
12.4
411,111
103,965
307,146
74.7
 
217,765
70.9
89,381
1994
1,252,852
388,659
31.0
864,193
374,462
489,731
56.7
 
62,539
12.8
427,192
110,333
316,859
74.2
 
220,593
69.6
96,266
1995
1,177,760
365,371
31.0
812,389
354,354
458,035
56.4
 
60,324
13.2
397,711
100,962
296,749
74.6
 
202,597
68.3
94,152
1996
1,196,809
382,316
31.9
814,493
349,933
464,560
57.0
 
65,238
14.0
399,322
98,712
300,610
75.3
 
204,425
68.0
96,185
1997
1,057,794
356,351
33.7
701,443
298,325
398,268
4,850
57.5
 
59,691
15.0
338,577
76,153
262,424
77.5
 
4,569
185,456
70.6
77,249
1998
1,041,362
372,571
35.8
668,791
283,826
384,341
624
57.6
 
61,537
16.0
322,804
71,960
250,844
77.7
 
3,171
178,344
71.8
69,953
1999
1,065,286
395,925
37.2
669,361
284,157
368,831
16,373
57.5
 
57,456
15.6
311,375
68,094
243,281
78.1
 
4,622
185,071
72.6
69,961
2000
1,131,108
435,803
38.5
695,305
299,187
332,699
63,419
57.0
 
54,728
16.4
277,971
57,954
220,017
79.2
 
9,975
197,896
72.4
75,565
2001
1,246,173
494,272
39.7
751,901
329,091
338,725
84,085
56.2
 
54,605
16.1
284,120
60,588
223,532
78.7
 
29,719
204,391
73.5
73,507
2002
1,373,394
503,508
36.7
869,886
386,639
379,850
103,397
55.6
 
56,521
14.9
323,329
72,377
250,952
77.6
 
128,851
170,201
75.5
55,297
2003
1,439,704
11,964
499,813
35.0
927,927
445,716
375,129
107,082
52.0
 
38,085
44,165
13.1
292,879
86,610
206,269
70.4
 
256,053
45,276
79.0
12,022
2004
1,485,482
276,847
431,791
35.7
776,844
446,913
260,474
69,457
42.5
 
69,986
26,435
13.9
164,053
75,013
89,040
54.3
 
146,087
10,358
83.5
2,052

1Data for claims filed in 1993-2003 reflect results as of June 2004 (DDS level) or August 2004 (OHA level). The number of total claims filed for 2002-03 are subject to change. Data for claims filed in 2004 are preliminary estimates as of January 2005. The ultimate number of allowances and denials are subject to change until all initial decisions have been completed and all appeals are final.

2Includes cases appealed to the Office of Hearings and Appeals, as well as beyond OHA to the Federal courts.

3Number of allowances as a percentage of decisions (allowances plus denials) at this level.

4Cases appealed directly to OHA under Prototype Model—currently being tested in 10 States—which eliminates reconsideration step in disability determination process.

5Number of appeals as a percentage of denials at this level. For years where decisions are still pending, the preliminary percentage shown could change substantially as all claims are processed.

6Number of persons appealing beyond the reconsideration level.

7Includes cases remanded to OHA from the Federal courts.

8Number of allowances as a percentage of decisions at this level. For years where decisions are still pending, the preliminary percentage shown will ultimately be lower as all cases are processed. This is true since allowances are generally processed more quickly than denials

9Includes denied claims where the final administrative action was a dismissal of an appeal request (for example, the appeal was not filed timely or the applicant failed to appear at the scheduled hearing).

Table 3.—Disabled Worker Benefits Awarded
(Grouped by age and year of award, 1980-2004 Social Security DI disability experience)
Year
15-19
20-24
25-29
30-34
35-39
40-44
45-49
50-54
55-59
60-64
65 or
older
Total
 
Male
1980
885
7,664
10,221
12,810
15,754
20,104
28,141
45,806
73,074
71,875
4,855
291,189
1981
806
7,761
10,989
10,626
13,265
14,868
21,540
41,467
65,397
73,862
4,071
264,652
1982
742
6,922
10,384
10,990
14,088
18,172
21,395
35,443
59,771
53,123
2,552
233,582
1983
643
7,635
13,737
17,295
21,026
25,631
33,114
45,020
67,737
61,735
2,921
296,494
1984
460
7,903
15,369
17,462
19,379
21,868
26,991
40,805
63,737
62,957
3,339
280,270
1985
437
7,870
15,459
18,247
20,696
22,593
27,375
40,033
61,163
63,639
3,578
281,090
1986
481
9,347
18,653
21,676
23,027
22,665
25,111
36,331
59,959
63,621
3,531
284,402
1987
556
8,439
16,839
20,829
21,854
22,896
25,751
36,129
58,329
63,948
3,390
278,960
1988
553
7,768
15,335
20,152
22,220
23,238
26,032
36,356
56,075
62,296
3,217
273,242
1989
591
7,539
15,550
21,011
23,792
25,215
27,510
37,108
55,969
61,054
3,427
278,766
1990
733
8,392
16,882
23,437
27,056
29,603
30,864
39,685
59,365
64,255
3,344
303,616
1991
857
9,588
19,095
27,436
32,203
35,344
36,122
45,289
65,366
68,354
3,785
343,439
1992
857
12,045
23,156
33,911
40,369
42,147
43,984
53,276
73,522
75,197
4,223
402,687
1993
817
10,784
21,379
33,526
39,831
43,093
44,953
54,286
71,538
70,299
3,912
394,418
1994
655
9,218
18,416
30,679
38,478
41,098
44,692
54,205
71,254
68,905
3,842
381,442
1995
633
8,054
16,291
27,743
36,740
41,264
46,018
54,802
73,295
69,937
3,749
378,526
1996
642
7,200
14,402
23,957
33,524
38,832
44,427
54,546
69,722
64,870
3,349
355,471
1997
605
6,890
12,164
19,115
27,867
34,676
39,802
52,742
68,569
61,255
3,143
326,828
1998
628
7,110
11,876
17,965
27,304
35,774
41,745
55,569
70,654
61,333
3,074
333,032
1999
684
7,833
11,901
16,884
27,159
36,235
42,842
57,155
71,341
62,267
3,232
337,533
2000
733
9,065
12,136
16,198
25,966
35,509
42,335
58,396
72,226
63,034
3,186
338,784
2001
941
11,770
14,653
18,472
27,587
38,340
46,185
63,976
80,621
68,680
3,130
374,355
2002
1,003
13,991
15,276
18,926
28,272
40,624
50,522
68,588
90,078
75,908
3,148
406,336
2003
869
11,974
15,176
19,438
28,411
41,869
52,936
72,030
95,297
79,744
3,854
421,598
2004
697
11,390
15,391
19,335
27,236
41,334
53,692
73,375
99,501
81,882
4,839
428,672
 
Female
1980
394
2,902
4,479
5,816
6,973
9,268
13,617
21,869
33,452
28,468
1,849
129,087
1981
270
3,033
4,699
5,224
5,786
7,230
9,888
19,843
30,393
28,486
1,512
116,364
1982
303
2,709
4,416
4,520
6,837
8,660
11,822
17,156
25,357
19,696
997
102,473
1983
244
3,101
6,242
8,225
10,446
12,978
17,614
21,764
27,540
22,744
1,069
131,967
1984
161
3,272
6,176
7,584
8,996
10,555
13,446
20,736
31,531
25,788
1,455
129,700
1985
158
3,275
6,823
8,845
10,003
11,498
14,375
21,064
29,594
27,839
1,539
135,013
1986
201
3,834
8,095
10,046
11,155
12,267
14,505
20,610
29,768
28,362
1,632
140,475
1987
260
3,612
7,768
9,753
11,185
12,680
15,125
20,928
29,980
28,469
1,575
141,335
1988
257
3,512
7,226
9,720
11,320
13,255
15,897
21,306
30,050
28,063
1,483
142,089
1989
275
3,569
7,428
10,333
12,405
14,938
17,855
23,060
31,585
28,945
1,519
151,912
1990
359
4,082
8,312
11,639
14,313
17,707
20,095
25,412
33,903
31,001
1,664
168,487
1991
402
4,945
9,447
14,029
17,661
21,518
24,118
30,257
38,999
34,125
1,854
197,355
1992
513
6,596
12,270
17,546
22,337
26,688
30,044
36,909
44,531
39,839
2,129
239,402
1993
433
6,104
11,985
17,844
23,464
27,377
32,115
38,270
45,336
37,936
2,106
242,970
1994
395
5,343
10,991
17,808
23,778
28,594
33,738
41,068
47,772
38,992
1,952
250,431
1995
414
4,886
10,472
17,690
25,094
30,618
36,844
44,563
52,577
41,755
2,206
267,119
1996
381
4,449
9,802
16,688
25,087
31,620
38,310
47,032
53,027
40,317
2,070
268,783
1997
391
4,364
8,980
14,957
23,429
30,874
36,740
47,343
52,852
38,939
2,003
260,872
1998
366
4,816
9,315
14,930
24,175
32,453
39,440
50,954
56,550
40,434
1,917
275,350
1999
396
5,468
9,842
14,291
24,177
33,416
40,730
51,732
58,681
42,261
2,032
283,026
2000
482
6,353
10,097
14,372
23,460
32,625
39,366
52,554
58,487
42,868
1,868
282,532
2001
621
8,104
12,454
16,735
25,578
35,794
43,769
57,677
65,956
47,438
2,022
316,148
2002
605
9,554
13,511
17,684
26,551
38,800
48,249
61,624
72,010
52,899
2,180
343,667
2003
555
8,659
13,431
18,668
26,591
39,524
49,768
63,708
76,329
56,053
2,576
355,862
2004
481
8,315
13,766
18,835
25,906
39,476
50,831
66,473
80,498
59,221
3,301
367,103
 
Total
1980
1,279
10,566
14,700
18,626
22,727
29,372
41,758
67,675
106,526
100,343
6,704
420,276
1981
1,076
10,794
15,688
15,850
19,051
22,098
31,428
61,310
95,790
102,348
5,583
381,016
1982
1,045
9,631
14,800
15,510
20,925
26,832
33,217
52,599
85,128
72,819
3,549
336,055
1983
887
10,736
19,979
25,520
31,472
38,609
50,728
66,784
95,277
84,479
3,990
428,461
1984
621
11,175
21,545
25,046
28,375
32,423
40,437
61,541
95,268
88,745
4,794
409,970
1985
595
11,145
22,282
27,092
30,699
34,091
41,750
61,097
90,757
91,478
5,117
416,103
1986
682
13,181
26,748
31,722
34,182
34,932
39,616
56,941
89,727
91,983
5,163
424,877
1987
816
12,051
24,607
30,582
33,039
35,576
40,876
57,057
88,309
92,417
4,965
420,295
1988
810
11,280
22,561
29,872
33,540
36,493
41,929
57,662
86,125
90,359
4,700
415,331
1989
866
11,108
22,978
31,344
36,197
40,153
45,365
60,168
87,554
89,999
4,946
430,678
1990
1,092
12,474
25,194
35,076
41,369
47,310
50,959
65,097
93,268
95,256
5,008
472,103
1991
1,259
14,533
28,542
41,465
49,864
56,862
60,240
75,546
104,365
102,479
5,639
540,794
1992
1,370
18,641
35,426
51,457
62,706
68,835
74,028
90,185
118,053
115,036
6,352
642,089
1993
1,250
16,888
33,364
51,370
63,295
70,470
77,068
92,556
116,874
108,235
6,018
637,388
1994
1,050
14,561
29,407
48,487
62,256
69,692
78,430
95,273
119,026
107,897
5,794
631,873
1995
1,047
12,940
26,763
45,433
61,834
71,882
82,862
99,365
125,872
111,692
5,955
645,645
1996
1,023
11,649
24,204
40,645
58,611
70,452
82,737
101,578
122,749
105,187
5,419
624,254
1997
996
11,254
21,144
34,072
51,296
65,550
76,542
100,085
121,421
100,194
5,146
587,700
1998
994
11,926
21,191
32,895
51,479
68,227
81,185
106,523
127,204
101,767
4,991
608,382
1999
1,080
13,301
21,743
31,175
51,336
69,651
83,572
108,887
130,022
104,528
5,264
620,559
2000
1,215
15,418
22,233
30,570
49,426
68,134
81,701
110,950
130,713
105,902
5,054
621,316
2001
1,562
19,874
27,107
35,207
53,165
74,134
89,954
121,653
146,577
116,118
5,152
690,503
2002
1,608
23,545
28,787
36,610
54,823
79,424
98,771
130,212
162,088
128,807
5,328
750,003
2003
1,424
20,633
28,607
38,106
55,002
81,393
102,704
135,738
171,626
135,797
6,430
777,460
2004
1,178
19,705
29,157
38,170
53,142
80,810
104,523
139,848
179,999
141,103
8,140
795,775

Source: SSA administrative records.

Table 4.—Disabled Worker Incidence Rates Per Thousand Exposed
(Awards per thousand grouped by age and year of award, 1980-2004 Social Security DI disability experience)
Year
15-19
20-24
25-29
30-34
35-39
40-44
45-49
50-54
55-59
60-64
65 or
older
Total
Gross
Adjusted
 
Male
1980
0.32
0.82
1.12
1.60
2.51
3.90
6.13
9.99
17.06
21.42
15.18
5.04
5.58
1981
0.31
0.83
1.16
1.29
2.00
2.82
4.64
9.16
15.29
21.60
14.10
4.52
4.93
1982
0.33
0.76
1.08
1.32
2.01
3.26
4.55
7.97
13.76
15.03
8.57
3.94
4.35
1983
0.34
0.87
1.41
2.02
2.87
4.37
6.86
10.23
15.56
17.05
8.87
4.97
5.53
1984
0.28
0.94
1.57
1.99
2.53
3.61
5.49
9.33
14.92
16.92
10.24
4.67
5.08
1985
0.27
0.95
1.57
2.01
2.59
3.64
5.47
9.15
14.38
17.08
10.35
4.63
5.05
1986
0.29
1.15
1.89
2.32
2.81
3.46
4.92
8.23
14.39
17.14
9.83
4.62
4.99
1987
0.33
1.07
1.70
2.19
2.64
3.31
4.79
8.13
14.36
17.14
9.76
4.49
4.87
1988
0.31
1.01
1.56
2.10
2.62
3.23
4.61
8.02
14.01
16.81
9.33
4.35
4.74
1989
0.31
0.99
1.59
2.17
2.73
3.35
4.71
8.02
14.03
16.74
9.45
4.38
4.79
1990
0.40
1.08
1.75
2.40
3.01
3.75
5.15
8.39
14.83
17.59
9.96
4.70
5.15
1991
0.52
1.25
2.02
2.79
3.48
4.36
5.69
9.36
16.11
19.01
11.05
5.27
5.74
1992
0.58
1.62
2.52
3.42
4.26
5.13
6.52
10.42
17.96
21.26
12.08
6.14
6.60
1993
0.60
1.50
2.39
3.35
4.12
5.13
6.39
10.08
17.15
20.18
11.52
5.98
6.38
1994
0.49
1.33
2.11
3.07
3.93
4.73
6.07
9.72
16.73
19.94
11.47
5.74
6.09
1995
0.45
1.19
1.88
2.83
3.69
4.60
5.97
9.56
16.87
20.23
11.01
5.64
5.96
1996
0.42
1.08
1.67
2.51
3.34
4.21
5.61
8.97
15.68
18.62
10.15
5.24
5.50
1997
0.38
1.03
1.42
2.06
2.77
3.68
4.97
8.15
14.56
17.42
9.72
4.77
4.94
1998
0.38
1.04
1.41
1.99
2.70
3.73
5.09
8.23
14.18
17.08
9.44
4.79
4.91
1999
0.39
1.12
1.44
1.91
2.69
3.73
5.05
8.08
13.80
16.86
10.05
4.80
4.85
2000
0.40
1.25
1.51
1.82
2.62
3.59
4.82
7.86
13.55
16.64
9.22
4.74
4.74
2001
0.53
1.58
1.86
2.07
2.83
3.83
5.11
8.36
14.22
17.60
9.22
5.17
5.10
2002
0.61
1.88
1.94
2.14
2.98
4.04
5.46
8.85
14.90
18.37
9.26
5.58
5.39
2003
0.56
1.62
1.91
2.24
3.06
4.16
5.63
9.10
15.19
18.46
9.08
5.75
5.47
2004
0.45
1.54
1.89
2.27
2.97
4.13
5.63
9.02
15.17
18.52
7.88
5.79
5.43
 
Female
1980
0.19
0.38
0.65
1.18
2.08
3.19
4.89
7.51
11.96
13.10
8.80
3.35
3.95
1981
0.14
0.40
0.65
0.99
1.56
2.32
3.43
6.75
10.77
12.55
8.54
2.90
3.37
1982
0.17
0.36
0.58
0.80
1.63
2.50
3.94
5.74
8.69
8.14
5.06
2.46
2.93
1983
0.16
0.43
0.80
1.38
2.26
3.45
5.47
7.21
9.24
9.05
4.62
3.09
3.67
1984
0.12
0.47
0.79
1.20
1.78
2.63
4.01
6.74
10.54
9.93
6.61
2.96
3.40
1985
0.12
0.48
0.85
1.33
1.83
2.72
4.08
6.78
9.79
10.49
6.46
2.99
3.43
1986
0.14
0.56
1.00
1.45
1.94
2.68
3.91
6.49
9.87
10.63
6.27
3.02
3.44
1987
0.18
0.53
0.94
1.36
1.88
2.56
3.79
6.48
9.93
10.53
6.08
2.96
3.38
1988
0.16
0.52
0.88
1.31
1.82
2.51
3.75
6.27
9.99
10.30
5.96
2.90
3.31
1989
0.17
0.53
0.90
1.37
1.90
2.63
3.99
6.55
10.35
10.62
5.92
3.02
3.45
1990
0.22
0.60
1.02
1.50
2.10
2.90
4.30
6.90
11.03
11.24
6.45
3.26
3.71
1991
0.28
0.74
1.18
1.78
2.50
3.36
4.79
7.83
12.45
12.32
7.14
3.75
4.22
1992
0.38
1.02
1.56
2.18
3.05
4.05
5.51
8.89
13.94
14.30
8.06
4.48
4.93
1993
0.35
0.97
1.56
2.21
3.09
4.01
5.55
8.69
13.58
13.71
7.90
4.48
4.85
1994
0.32
0.87
1.45
2.19
3.06
4.03
5.47
8.86
13.89
14.02
7.36
4.54
4.87
1995
0.32
0.82
1.38
2.20
3.16
4.18
5.61
9.26
14.70
14.94
8.19
4.76
5.06
1996
0.27
0.75
1.29
2.12
3.11
4.19
5.61
9.13
14.17
14.29
7.70
4.69
4.93
1997
0.26
0.71
1.19
1.94
2.87
3.99
5.29
8.55
13.25
13.62
7.31
4.47
4.63
1998
0.23
0.76
1.23
1.97
2.95
4.09
5.53
8.72
13.42
13.65
7.27
4.63
4.73
1999
0.24
0.84
1.32
1.90
2.94
4.13
5.52
8.36
13.32
13.85
7.71
4.66
4.71
2000
0.28
0.94
1.38
1.90
2.88
3.95
5.18
7.97
12.84
13.52
6.83
4.56
4.56
2001
0.36
1.16
1.72
2.19
3.19
4.27
5.59
8.43
13.53
14.31
7.34
5.01
4.94
2002
0.38
1.37
1.85
2.32
3.39
4.57
6.02
8.86
13.71
15.01
7.55
5.38
5.20
2003
0.37
1.26
1.83
2.46
3.45
4.65
6.07
8.92
13.77
15.14
7.02
5.52
5.25
2004
0.33
1.24
1.85
2.52
3.38
4.64
6.07
9.01
13.72
15.39
6.21
5.63
5.26
 
Total
1980
0.26
0.62
0.92
1.44
2.36
3.64
5.66
9.03
15.04
18.15
12.65
4.36
4.82
1981
0.24
0.63
0.94
1.17
1.84
2.64
4.18
8.21
13.49
17.98
11.99
3.86
4.21
1982
0.26
0.58
0.86
1.11
1.86
2.97
4.31
7.08
11.72
12.23
7.17
3.33
3.69
1983
0.26
0.67
1.14
1.76
2.64
4.01
6.31
9.00
13.00
13.78
7.12
4.18
4.67
1984
0.21
0.72
1.22
1.66
2.24
3.22
4.89
8.26
13.12
14.05
8.76
3.95
4.30
1985
0.20
0.74
1.25
1.72
2.28
3.27
4.89
8.17
12.47
14.34
8.77
3.93
4.30
1986
0.22
0.88
1.48
1.95
2.45
3.14
4.49
7.50
12.49
14.42
8.34
3.93
4.27
1987
0.26
0.82
1.36
1.84
2.32
3.00
4.36
7.43
12.47
14.36
8.21
3.82
4.18
1988
0.24
0.78
1.25
1.76
2.28
2.93
4.24
7.27
12.29
14.05
7.90
3.71
4.08
1989
0.24
0.78
1.27
1.82
2.37
3.04
4.40
7.39
12.43
14.12
7.98
3.78
4.17
1990
0.32
0.86
1.41
2.00
2.62
3.38
4.78
7.74
13.18
14.86
8.43
4.06
4.48
1991
0.40
1.01
1.63
2.34
3.05
3.92
5.29
8.68
14.51
16.10
9.38
4.59
5.03
1992
0.48
1.34
2.08
2.87
3.73
4.65
6.07
9.73
16.20
18.19
10.34
5.39
5.82
1993
0.48
1.25
2.01
2.84
3.67
4.63
6.01
9.45
15.56
17.32
9.92
5.30
5.67
1994
0.41
1.11
1.81
2.68
3.54
4.42
5.80
9.33
15.46
17.30
9.66
5.20
5.52
1995
0.38
1.02
1.65
2.55
3.46
4.41
5.80
9.42
15.89
17.87
9.74
5.24
5.54
1996
0.35
0.92
1.49
2.33
3.24
4.20
5.61
9.04
14.99
16.68
9.04
4.99
5.24
1997
0.32
0.88
1.31
2.01
2.82
3.82
5.12
8.33
13.96
15.72
8.61
4.63
4.80
1998
0.31
0.91
1.33
1.98
2.81
3.89
5.29
8.46
13.83
15.53
8.46
4.72
4.83
1999
0.31
0.99
1.38
1.90
2.80
3.91
5.27
8.21
13.58
15.50
9.00
4.73
4.78
2000
0.34
1.10
1.45
1.86
2.74
3.75
4.99
7.91
13.22
15.22
8.16
4.66
4.66
2001
0.45
1.38
1.79
2.12
3.00
4.03
5.33
8.39
13.90
16.09
8.38
5.10
5.02
2002
0.50
1.63
1.90
2.22
3.16
4.29
5.72
8.86
14.35
16.83
8.48
5.49
5.30
2003
0.47
1.45
1.87
2.34
3.24
4.38
5.83
9.02
14.52
16.93
8.13
5.64
5.37
2004
0.39
1.40
1.87
2.39
3.16
4.37
5.83
9.01
14.49
17.06
7.11
5.71
5.35

Source:
(1) Age-specific and gross rates computed as the ratio of annual awards, to exposure of the disability insured population not receiving benefits.
(2) Total adjusted rate by sex computed as the ratio of total age-adjusted awards, to total exposure of the disability insured population not receiving benefits as of calendar year 2000.
(3) Total adjusted rate for male and female combined computed as the ratio of total age-sex-adjusted awards, to total combined exposure of the disability insured population not receiving benefits as of calendar year 2000.

Table 5.—Disabled Worker Benefits Terminated and Gross Termination Rates
(Grouped by reason for termination and year, 1980-2004 Social Security DI disability experience)
Year
Number of terminations
 
Terminations per thousand exposed
Death
Recovery
Other
Conversion
Total
Death
Recovery
Other
Conversion
Total
 
Male
1980
105,092
61,330
2,444
135,678
304,544
 
51.90
30.29
1.21
67.00
150.39
1981
99,762
85,255
2,511
132,542
320,070
 
49.89
42.63
1.26
66.28
160.05
1982
95,943
123,039
2,240
131,951
353,173
 
49.75
63.80
1.16
68.43
183.15
1983
98,500
81,725
2,536
128,370
311,131
 
53.48
44.37
1.38
69.70
168.93
1984
98,017
39,926
2,409
122,341
262,693
 
53.79
21.91
1.32
67.13
144.15
1985
99,568
15,418
2,531
124,010
241,527
 
54.12
8.38
1.38
67.41
131.29
1986
97,943
16,525
2,484
123,997
240,949
 
52.07
8.79
1.32
65.93
128.10
1987
98,392
26,353
5,120
117,617
247,482
 
51.14
13.70
2.66
61.14
128.64
1988
101,945
26,132
6,670
114,941
249,688
 
52.18
13.38
3.41
58.83
127.80
1989
100,366
21,327
4,819
117,645
244,157
 
50.71
10.77
2.43
59.44
123.35
1990
101,848
20,809
3,447
115,057
241,161
 
50.21
10.26
1.70
56.72
118.89
1991
106,561
18,064
3,513
113,903
242,041
 
50.47
8.55
1.66
53.94
114.63
1992
110,501
20,135
3,684
115,580
249,900
 
49.31
8.98
1.64
51.57
111.51
1993
117,054
19,900
3,850
114,402
255,206
 
48.97
8.33
1.61
47.86
106.77
1994
120,239
24,043
3,873
112,283
260,438
 
47.64
9.53
1.53
44.48
103.18
1995
120,707
30,934
4,555
117,534
273,730
 
45.71
11.71
1.72
44.50
103.65
1996
114,672
32,608
4,337
116,756
268,373
 
41.93
11.92
1.59
42.70
98.14
1997
104,632
76,591
3,861
120,359
305,443
 
37.30
27.30
1.38
42.90
108.88
1998
105,417
30,167
3,935
117,540
257,059
 
37.23
10.65
1.39
41.51
90.79
1999
107,252
34,908
5,439
124,049
271,648
 
36.90
12.01
1.87
42.68
93.47
2000
108,226
41,826
6,966
125,583
282,601
 
36.42
14.07
2.34
42.26
95.09
2001
104,516
39,933
6,878
125,567
276,894
 
34.31
13.11
2.26
41.22
90.90
2002
113,756
36,918
6,794
129,017
286,485
 
36.02
11.69
2.15
40.86
90.72
2003
115,760
33,066
6,073
113,850
268,749
 
35.28
10.08
1.85
34.69
81.90
2004
119,344
34,217
6,202
114,497
274,260
 
34.96
10.02
1.82
33.54
80.33
 
Female
1980
37,705
23,798
796
67,794
130,093
 
39.09
24.67
0.83
70.28
134.86
1981
36,162
35,576
803
67,539
140,080
 
37.78
37.16
0.84
70.55
146.33
1982
33,348
46,165
685
68,718
148,916
 
36.01
49.85
0.74
74.21
160.81
1983
35,775
48,059
780
67,143
151,757
 
39.97
53.70
0.87
75.02
169.56
1984
35,844
17,625
781
64,616
118,866
 
40.94
20.13
0.89
73.80
135.77
1985
37,138
8,034
873
65,305
111,350
 
41.79
9.04
0.98
73.49
125.30
1986
36,832
7,350
908
65,329
110,419
 
40.25
8.03
0.99
71.39
120.67
1987
37,668
11,472
2,095
62,204
113,439
 
39.79
12.12
2.21
65.71
119.82
1988
39,438
11,869
2,494
61,629
115,430
 
40.43
12.17
2.56
63.18
118.33
1989
38,507
10,075
1,644
63,253
113,479
 
38.27
10.01
1.63
62.86
112.77
1990
39,566
9,633
1,450
62,268
112,917
 
37.55
9.14
1.38
59.09
107.16
1991
42,124
8,642
1,593
61,070
113,429
 
37.46
7.69
1.42
54.31
100.88
1992
43,895
9,719
1,425
62,872
117,911
 
35.74
7.91
1.16
51.19
96.00
1993
46,786
9,767
1,593
63,220
121,366
 
34.62
7.23
1.18
46.79
89.82
1994
49,435
11,872
1,680
64,142
127,129
 
33.49
8.04
1.14
43.45
86.13
1995
51,164
16,348
2,015
68,105
137,632
 
31.86
10.18
1.25
42.41
85.71
1996
52,473
17,964
1,990
69,671
142,098
 
30.24
10.35
1.15
40.15
81.89
1997
53,322
29,365
1,735
73,800
158,222
 
28.73
15.82
0.93
39.77
85.26
1998
55,398
21,364
2,032
74,190
152,984
 
28.19
10.87
1.03
37.75
77.83
1999
58,175
22,894
2,682
81,030
164,781
 
27.86
10.96
1.28
38.80
78.91
2000
60,770
27,657
3,215
84,484
176,126
 
27.57
12.55
1.46
38.33
79.90
2001
60,452
26,832
3,378
87,553
178,215
 
25.99
11.53
1.45
37.64
76.61
2002
66,846
27,139
3,506
93,336
190,827
 
27.01
10.97
1.42
37.71
77.11
2003
69,449
24,957
3,145
84,484
182,035
 
26.41
9.49
1.20
32.13
69.22
2004
71,990
26,304
3,139
87,245
188,678
 
25.80
9.43
1.13
31.27
67.63
 
Total
1980
142,797
85,128
3,240
203,472
434,637
 
47.76
28.47
1.08
68.06
145.38
1981
135,924
120,831
3,314
200,081
460,150
 
45.97
40.86
1.12
67.66
155.61
1982
129,291
169,204
2,925
200,669
502,089
 
45.30
59.28
1.02
70.30
175.90
1983
134,275
129,784
3,316
195,513
462,888
 
49.06
47.42
1.21
71.44
169.13
1984
133,861
57,551
3,190
186,957
381,559
 
49.62
21.33
1.18
69.30
141.43
1985
136,706
23,452
3,404
189,315
352,877
 
50.11
8.60
1.25
69.39
129.34
1986
134,775
23,875
3,392
189,326
351,368
 
48.20
8.54
1.21
67.71
125.67
1987
136,060
37,825
7,215
179,821
360,921
 
47.40
13.18
2.51
62.64
125.73
1988
141,383
38,001
9,164
176,570
365,118
 
48.27
12.97
3.13
60.28
124.65
1989
138,873
31,402
6,463
180,898
357,636
 
46.51
10.52
2.16
60.59
119.79
1990
141,414
30,442
4,897
177,325
354,078
 
45.88
9.88
1.59
57.53
114.88
1991
148,685
26,706
5,106
174,973
355,470
 
45.95
8.25
1.58
54.07
109.85
1992
154,396
29,854
5,109
178,452
367,811
 
44.50
8.61
1.47
51.44
106.02
1993
163,840
29,667
5,443
177,622
376,572
 
43.79
7.93
1.45
47.47
100.65
1994
169,674
35,915
5,553
176,425
387,567
 
42.42
8.98
1.39
44.10
96.89
1995
171,871
47,282
6,570
185,639
411,362
 
40.47
11.13
1.55
43.71
96.87
1996
167,145
50,572
6,327
186,427
410,471
 
37.39
11.31
1.42
41.71
91.83
1997
157,954
105,956
5,596
194,159
463,665
 
33.89
22.73
1.20
41.65
99.47
1998
160,815
51,531
5,967
191,730
410,043
 
33.52
10.74
1.24
39.97
85.48
1999
165,427
57,802
8,121
205,079
436,429
 
33.12
11.57
1.63
41.06
87.38
2000
168,996
69,483
10,181
210,067
458,727
 
32.65
13.42
1.97
40.58
88.62
2001
164,968
66,765
10,256
213,120
455,109
 
30.71
12.43
1.91
39.67
84.71
2002
180,602
64,057
10,300
222,353
477,312
 
32.06
11.37
1.83
39.48
84.74
2003
185,209
58,023
9,218
198,334
450,784
 
31.33
9.82
1.56
33.55
76.26
2004
191,334
60,521
9,341
201,742
462,938
 
30.84
9.75
1.51
32.52
74.62

Source: SSA administrative records. Rates computed as the ratio of annual terminations, to the exposure of the disabled worker population.

Table 6.—Disabled Worker Benefits In Current-Payment Status
(Grouped by age at end of year, 1980-2004 Social Security DI disability experience)
Year
15-19
20-24
25-29
30-34
35-39
40-44
45-49
50-54
55-59
60-64
65 or
older
Total
 
Male
1980
1,040
21,436
57,407
88,363
96,044
115,295
171,440
276,387
462,579
635,937
0
1,925,928
1981
984
20,752
56,277
85,683
95,445
109,109
157,149
260,861
440,977
638,730
0
1,865,967
1982
885
18,446
51,016
78,302
90,144
100,638
135,643
236,603
411,875
618,079
0
1,741,631
1983
782
18,735
52,875
81,630
98,290
108,968
139,217
224,918
399,487
601,653
0
1,726,555
1984
599
19,280
57,172
87,968
109,090
118,649
144,133
225,839
386,540
594,499
0
1,743,769
1985
516
19,428
61,427
95,717
123,353
131,039
153,588
229,480
382,261
584,907
0
1,781,716
1986
563
20,537
67,579
106,759
136,306
145,199
163,397
231,796
378,539
572,859
0
1,823,534
1987
626
20,159
69,045
113,509
143,540
158,056
174,689
232,941
374,048
567,102
0
1,853,715
1988
641
19,104
68,515
117,573
149,180
168,364
184,680
237,771
367,816
559,740
0
1,873,384
1989
700
18,253
67,115
121,206
157,516
183,531
197,006
242,637
369,256
545,262
0
1,902,482
1990
860
19,107
67,817
127,061
168,533
202,579
210,477
251,748
373,022
542,403
0
1,963,607
1991
986
21,571
70,563
135,237
183,677
221,850
231,902
269,504
384,237
544,572
0
2,064,099
1992
1,026
25,800
77,210
147,210
205,492
242,603
261,813
297,159
403,011
554,960
0
2,216,284
1993
1,021
27,255
81,425
156,849
223,302
264,000
289,244
324,984
424,358
560,766
0
2,353,204
1994
840
26,148
81,233
160,540
235,217
281,312
317,133
349,847
441,579
575,163
0
2,469,012
1995
797
23,036
79,269
157,816
241,116
295,687
344,892
370,632
460,966
589,096
0
2,563,307
1996
768
20,025
75,593
150,936
242,640
307,286
363,195
396,309
482,044
599,705
0
2,638,501
1997
729
18,330
69,226
139,506
233,304
308,492
362,595
417,193
503,624
607,320
0
2,660,319
1998
763
18,103
64,835
132,429
230,690
317,452
374,073
440,585
529,592
622,743
0
2,731,265
1999
815
18,920
60,732
124,586
226,686
323,580
386,484
467,617
551,624
633,107
0
2,794,151
2000
887
20,792
57,535
118,869
218,318
325,885
397,952
494,644
569,818
647,231
0
2,851,931
2001
1,082
25,291
59,109
116,707
211,521
329,107
412,356
515,749
603,613
673,161
0
2,947,696
2002
1,182
30,579
63,206
115,533
205,695
331,221
430,058
529,673
647,693
712,309
0
3,067,149
2003
1,052
32,437
69,442
116,011
201,779
334,681
447,952
551,669
688,353
756,310
21,685
3,221,371
2004
870
32,332
75,641
116,293
196,709
335,834
462,482
573,435
737,309
796,437
46,345
3,373,687
 
Female
1980
424
7,736
23,806
35,905
40,291
49,190
76,436
133,923
236,830
325,891
0
930,432
1981
346
7,673
23,404
35,913
40,499
47,132
69,991
126,485
227,360
326,933
0
905,736
1982
340
6,903
21,371
33,289
39,297
43,891
61,456
117,328
216,539
317,247
0
857,661
1983
291
7,053
22,088
35,201
42,490
47,814
63,109
107,763
203,483
308,224
0
837,516
1984
199
7,545
23,471
38,669
47,923
53,427
66,558
108,498
197,163
304,957
0
848,410
1985
194
7,733
25,216
42,980
54,649
60,245
72,038
112,131
194,878
301,364
0
871,428
1986
236
8,387
28,204
48,120
61,247
68,526
79,300
115,999
194,620
296,450
0
901,089
1987
285
8,589
29,681
51,417
66,090
76,195
87,090
119,794
194,118
294,733
0
927,992
1988
313
8,363
30,469
54,165
70,672
82,327
94,917
125,068
194,132
292,249
0
952,675
1989
326
8,270
30,908
56,812
76,920
91,477
104,513
132,062
198,780
288,019
0
988,087
1990
408
9,018
32,223
61,013
84,957
103,200
115,316
141,187
206,341
289,413
0
1,043,076
1991
472
10,691
34,546
66,704
95,323
116,463
131,302
156,506
218,899
295,570
0
1,126,476
1992
596
13,569
39,481
74,931
108,441
132,862
152,508
180,070
236,697
308,270
0
1,247,425
1993
562
15,092
43,366
82,743
121,626
149,635
173,245
203,995
257,800
319,794
0
1,367,858
1994
496
14,959
45,238
89,252
133,117
166,905
195,900
228,308
278,388
336,586
0
1,489,149
1995
506
13,795
46,724
93,006
143,574
184,757
221,128
252,531
303,682
356,246
0
1,615,949
1996
478
12,380
47,206
94,145
152,053
201,631
242,748
281,299
331,849
376,021
0
1,739,810
1997
457
11,590
45,861
92,644
155,082
213,006
256,741
308,246
361,640
395,107
0
1,840,374
1998
445
11,748
44,863
91,709
160,302
226,100
274,984
334,305
394,759
420,462
0
1,959,677
1999
474
12,644
43,926
89,852
164,335
238,202
294,693
362,563
426,265
443,091
0
2,076,045
2000
573
14,296
43,177
89,670
164,859
246,800
312,538
391,464
451,582
468,756
0
2,183,715
2001
715
17,339
45,741
92,537
165,846
256,575
332,522
416,824
489,879
502,151
0
2,320,129
2002
727
20,884
50,590
95,515
167,600
266,622
353,508
438,776
531,718
546,347
0
2,472,287
2003
682
22,578
55,878
99,774
169,470
277,724
375,324
465,180
570,499
593,608
16,532
2,647,249
2004
591
22,898
61,383
103,753
169,586
286,702
394,572
494,833
616,509
638,275
35,435
2,824,537
 
Total
1980
1,464
29,172
81,213
124,268
136,335
164,485
247,876
410,310
699,409
961,828
0
2,856,360
1981
1,330
28,425
79,681
121,596
135,944
156,241
227,140
387,346
668,337
965,663
0
2,771,703
1982
1,225
25,349
72,387
111,591
129,441
144,529
197,099
353,931
628,414
935,326
0
2,599,292
1983
1,073
25,788
74,963
116,831
140,780
156,782
202,326
332,681
602,970
909,877
0
2,564,071
1984
798
26,825
80,643
126,637
157,013
172,076
210,691
334,337
583,703
899,456
0
2,592,179
1985
710
27,161
86,643
138,697
178,002
191,284
225,626
341,611
577,139
886,271
0
2,653,144
1986
799
28,924
95,783
154,879
197,553
213,725
242,697
347,795
573,159
869,309
0
2,724,623
1987
911
28,748
98,726
164,926
209,630
234,251
261,779
352,735
568,166
861,835
0
2,781,707
1988
954
27,467
98,984
171,738
219,852
250,691
279,597
362,839
561,948
851,989
0
2,826,059
1989
1,026
26,523
98,023
178,018
234,436
275,008
301,519
374,699
568,036
833,281
0
2,890,569
1990
1,268
28,125
100,040
188,074
253,490
305,779
325,793
392,935
579,363
831,816
0
3,006,683
1991
1,458
32,262
105,109
201,941
279,000
338,313
363,204
426,010
603,136
840,142
0
3,190,575
1992
1,622
39,369
116,691
222,141
313,933
375,465
414,321
477,229
639,708
863,230
0
3,463,709
1993
1,583
42,347
124,791
239,592
344,928
413,635
462,489
528,979
682,158
880,560
0
3,721,062
1994
1,336
41,107
126,471
249,792
368,334
448,217
513,033
578,155
719,967
911,749
0
3,958,161
1995
1,303
36,831
125,993
250,822
384,690
480,444
566,020
623,163
764,648
945,342
0
4,179,256
1996
1,246
32,405
122,799
245,081
394,693
508,917
605,943
677,608
813,893
975,726
0
4,378,311
1997
1,186
29,920
115,087
232,150
388,386
521,498
619,336
725,439
865,264
1,002,427
0
4,500,693
1998
1,208
29,851
109,698
224,138
390,992
543,552
649,057
774,890
924,351
1,043,205
0
4,690,942
1999
1,289
31,564
104,658
214,438
391,021
561,782
681,177
830,180
977,889
1,076,198
0
4,870,196
2000
1,460
35,088
100,712
208,539
383,177
572,685
710,490
886,108
1,021,400
1,115,987
0
5,035,646
2001
1,797
42,630
104,850
209,244
377,367
585,682
744,878
932,573
1,093,492
1,175,312
0
5,267,825
2002
1,909
51,463
113,796
211,048
373,295
597,843
783,566
968,449
1,179,411
1,258,656
0
5,539,436
2003
1,734
55,015
125,320
215,785
371,249
612,405
823,276
1,016,849
1,258,852
1,349,918
38,217
5,868,620
2004
1,461
55,230
137,024
220,046
366,295
622,536
857,054
1,068,268
1,353,818
1,434,712
81,780
6,198,224

Source: SSA administrative records.


Section footnotes--

1Under present law, the normal retirement age is 65 for those born in 1937 or earlier, and is scheduled to increase gradually—over two separate phase-in periods—to age 66 beginning with persons born in 1943, and age 67 beginning with persons born in 1960.

2In 2005, a worker receives one credit (up to a maximum of four) for each $920 of annual covered earnings. This amount is indexed each year by the increase in average wages. For determining QCs, different rules apply to earnings before 1978, and a simplified method applies for the 1937-50 period.

3A fully insured worker has at least one credit (whenever acquired) for each year starting with the year the worker attains age 22 and ending with the year before the year the worker attains age 62, becomes disabled, or dies (whichever occurs earliest)—years that are partially or fully within a period of disability are not counted.

4As of 2005, a blind individual earning over $1,380 per month (net of impairment-related work expenses) is ordinarily considered to be engaging in SGA. The comparable amount for non-blind individuals is $830 per month.

5Discussed in greater detail in The Social Security Disability Insurance Program—an Analysis (Department of Health and Human Services, December 1992).

6That is, a case is reviewed in its entirety and a new decision is made unrelated to the initial decision.

7Calendar age is the integral age attained on the birthday in the year in which the individual is awarded benefits.

8Reasons for termination in this category include: beneficiary converts to old-age benefits prior to normal retirement age; withdrawal of application; or erroneous entitlement.

9Benefits may continue if the individual is currently enrolled in a vocational rehabilitation program, or has entered an extended period of eligibility.

10The aforementioned Ticket to Work Act prohibits initiation of a CDR during the period that a beneficiary is using a ticket; and under certain circumstances, prohibits the use of work activity as a basis for review. Provisions are effective January 1, 2002.

11The moratorium applied to all cases on which an administrative or judicial appeal was pending on or after June 7, 1983. All persons claiming benefits based on mental impairment disability who received an unfavorable decision after March 1, 1981 were permitted to reapply within time constraints, as mandated in 1984 by Public Law 98-460.

12This decrease is attributable to the scheduled increase in normal retirement age, resulting in the deferral of a portion of old-age conversions from 2003 to 2004.

13Findings are based on comparisons with disability mortality as discussed in Actuarial Study No. 114: Social Security Disability Insurance Program Worker Experience (Zayatz, June 1999).

14Findings are based on comparisons with disability recovery as discussed in Actuarial Study No. 114: Social Security Disability Insurance Program Worker Experience (Zayatz, June 1999).


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