Public Knowledge About the Social Security Administration's Disability Programs: Findings from the Understanding America Study

by
Social Security Bulletin, Vol. 82 No. 4, 2022

In this article, we examine public awareness of the disability benefit programs administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA). Using 2021 survey results from the nationally representative panel of Understanding America Study respondents, we explore public knowledge of various aspects of the Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income programs. We present descriptive statistics that highlight different levels of program knowledge from one program aspect to another as well as across respondent characteristics such as age, race/ethnicity, educational attainment, income, and presence of a long-term disabling condition. Program aspects covered in the survey questions include financial and medical eligibility for program benefits, application and disability determination procedures, and typical processing times and benefit amounts. Our findings may enable SSA and other stakeholders who work with people with disabilities to target informational outreach to groups with lower current levels of program knowledge.


The authors are with the Office of Research, Evaluation, and Statistics, Office of Retirement and Disability Policy, Social Security Administration.

Acknowledgments: The authors thank Richard Chard, John Murphy, Johanna P. Maleh, Tony Notaro, and Mark Sarney for their helpful comments and suggestions.

The findings and conclusions presented in the Bulletin are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the Social Security Administration.

Introduction

Selected Abbreviations
DDS Disability Determination Service
DI Disability Insurance
SGA substantial gainful activity
SSA Social Security Administration
SSI Supplemental Security Income
UAS Understanding America Study

Statistically, about one in four Americans will become disabled before reaching retirement age (Social Security Administration [SSA], n.d. b). SSA's disability programs exist to protect people who are not able to work at a substantial level because of a severe and long-term health condition. The two disability programs administered by SSA are Social Security Disability Insurance (DI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). DI provides benefits to covered workers who become disabled and who have contributed payroll taxes into the Social Security system.1 SSI provides payments to disabled children and adults whose families have very low income and resources. Individuals may be eligible to receive benefits from both programs simultaneously. Roughly 2 million people apply for benefits from these disability programs each year. It is important for the public not only to be aware that these programs exist, but also to understand basic program aspects such as eligibility rules, the application and disability determination processes, and typical monthly benefit amounts. In this article, we describe results of a survey on public knowledge about the SSA disability programs. Findings from this analysis may be useful to stakeholders who work with people with disabilities, perhaps enabling them to target informational outreach effectively.2

Methods

In June 2021, the University of Southern California's Center for Social and Economic Research began fielding a nationally representative Internet survey of individuals aged 18 or older on knowledge of the SSA disability programs as part of its Understanding America Study (UAS). The SSA disability-program survey constitutes UAS Survey 322. The UAS panel comprises approximately 9,500 respondents who were selected using address-based sampling. Panel members who do not have Internet access are provided an electronic device and Internet service at their residence. Panelists may respond to a selection of surveys each month, for which they receive nominal compensation. The surveys cover a wide range of topics, including health and disability, social attitudes, financial well-being, and participation in social safety-net programs. More details regarding UAS methodology and survey topics may be found in Alattar, Messel, and Rogofsky (2018) and on the UAS website (https://uasdata.usc.edu).

We use descriptive statistics to show the relationships between 20 measures of program knowledge and respondent characteristics. We employ chi-square statistics to test for statistical significance in the observed relationships. We then create a composite measure of program knowledge and respondent characteristics to summarize the relationships, also using chi-square statistics. The composite measure represents an average of the 17 program-knowledge questions that were asked of all respondents.3

In this article, we use UAS Survey 322 results that appear in the UAS comprehensive file, covering June–September 2021 survey responses. At that time, 6,492 respondents had completed the survey (Table 1).4 Of these, 23.9 percent reported having a long-term work-limiting disability.5 Two-thirds of respondents identified as non-Hispanic White (66.4 percent), 13.4 percent identified as Hispanic, 11.3 percent identified as non-Hispanic Black, 5.6 percent identified as Asian/Pacific Islander, 0.8 percent identified as American Indian/Alaska Native, and 2.6 percent identified as multiracial. Most respondents had completed high school (91.9 percent), and 34.9 percent had attained at least a bachelor's degree.

Table 1. Sample size and demographics
Characteristic Respondents
Number (unweighted) Percent (weighted)
Total 6,492 100.0
Presence of long-term disability
No 4,917 76.1
Yes 1,545 23.9
Sex
Women 3,860 51.4
Men 2,632 48.6
Race/ethnicity
Non-Hispanic White 4,323 66.4
Non-Hispanic Black 506 11.3
Hispanic (any race) 850 13.4
Asian/Pacific Islander 405 5.6
American Indian/Alaska Native 147 0.8
More than one race 252 2.6
Age
18–29 661 11.4
30–49 2,320 36.2
50–61 1,556 21.8
62–69 1,033 16.1
70 or older 913 14.4
Educational attainment
Less than high school diploma or equivalent 318 8.1
High school diploma or equivalent 1,067 30.2
Some college, no degree 2,358 26.8
Bachelor's degree 1,610 19.8
Master's degree or higher 1,137 15.1
Marital status
Married 3,560 55.6
Divorced 1,113 16.2
Widowed 324 5.1
Never married 1,494 23.0
Household income, last 12 months
Less than $50,000 2,242 40.5
$50,000–74,999 946 15.7
$75,000–99,999 804 13.1
$100,000 or more 2,329 30.7
SOURCE: UAS Survey 322, results as of September 2021.
NOTE: Because some respondents did not answer all demographic questions, the sums of the characteristic groupings do not necessarily equal the sample size.

This article presents survey results indicating those respondents' knowledge of various aspects of the disability programs administered by SSA. The findings address general program awareness and knowledge about the financial eligibility rules, the application and disability determination processes, typical benefit amounts, family benefit availability, health insurance eligibility, and continuation of benefit eligibility. Finally, we discuss the composite measure of program knowledge. Appendix A presents the full text of each of the 20 survey questions, the choices provided as possible answers, and the correct (or salient) responses.

In the Findings section, we present tables showing the survey results and demonstrating how public knowledge about the programs varies from one aspect to another and across demographic groups. The tables also highlight statistically significant differences between the groups.

Findings

We present the survey results in nine subsections, consisting of one subsection for each of eight subject areas and a ninth subsection addressing the composite measure discussed above.

General Awareness of SSA Disability Programs

About three-quarters (75.8 percent) of adults overall are aware that the DI program exists (Table 2, Question 1). Awareness is higher among people with a long-term work-limiting disability (84.8 percent) and increases with age (from 51.2 percent among people aged 18–29 to 89.4 percent among those aged 62–69). Awareness among respondents who are Asian/Pacific Islander (60.3 percent), non-Hispanic Black (70.5 percent), and Hispanic (72.2 percent) is lower than that of non-Hispanic White respondents (78.6 percent). People without a high school diploma are also less likely to know about the DI program than are people with higher levels of education.

Table 2. General awareness of SSA disability programs
Characteristic Number (unweighted) Q1: Aware of DI program? (% yes) Q2: Aware of SSI program? (% yes) Q3: Interest in learning more about disability programs? (% agree) Q4: Know of the best sources of information on disability programs? (% agree)
Total 6,492 75.8 49.9 37.0 36.5
Presence of long-term disability
No (reference category) 4,917 72.8 46.6 36.0 33.8
Yes 1,545 84.8* 59.7* 39.9 44.4*
Sex
Women 3,860 74.2 50.5 37.5 37.8
Men (reference category) 2,632 77.5 49.1 36.5 35.1
Race/ethnicity
Non-Hispanic White (reference category) 4,323 78.6 49.9 30.5 36.0
Non-Hispanic Black 506 70.5* 54.8 52.7* 42.6
Hispanic (any race) 850 72.2* 46.6 49.6* 33.9
Asian/Pacific Islander 405 60.3* 42.6 51.3* 33.4
American Indian/Alaska Native 147 79.6 54.1 43.8 40.7
More than one race 252 78.7 56.8 34.2 38.8
Age
18–29 (reference category) 661 51.2 35.7 38.5 26.2
30–49 2,320 69.9* 47.4* 42.4 34.6*
50–61 1,556 79.9* 50.7* 43.7 36.8*
62–69 1,033 89.4* 57.4* 27.3* 45.0*
70 or older 913 88.7* 57.6* 22.7* 39.3*
Educational attainment
Less than high school diploma or equivalent 318 68.5* 52.0 37.2 32.4
High school diploma or equivalent 1,067 74.2 49.3 36.6 35.7
Some college, no degree 2,358 78.4 51.0 39.3 38.4
Bachelor's degree 1,610 76.8 51.0 34.6 35.5
Master's degree or higher (reference category) 1,137 76.9 46.0 36.3 37.8
Marital status
Married (reference category) 3,560 77.5 49.7 35.0 35.8
Divorced 1,113 81.0 55.2 40.9 40.7
Widowed 324 86.2* 55.6 22.7* 43.5
Never married 1,494 65.7* 45.3 42.3 33.4
Household income, last 12 months
Less than $50,000 2,242 75.3 52.9* 38.0 38.1
$50,000–74,999 946 77.7 50.1* 37.8 37.0
$75,000–99,999 804 75.1 51.5* 37.3 35.1
$100,000 or more (reference category) 2,329 76.6 46.8 34.7 35.4
SOURCE: UAS Survey 322, results as of September 2021.
NOTES: Because some respondents did not answer all demographic questions, the sums of the characteristic groupings do not necessarily equal the sample size.
Appendix A presents the full text of the survey questions.
* = difference from reference category is statistically significant at the 0.05 level.

Only half of the adult population (49.9 percent) is aware that SSI is a program for low-income people with disabilities (Question 2). As with the DI program, awareness is higher among people with a long-term work-limiting disability (59.7 percent) and it increases with age (from 35.7 percent among people aged 18–29 to 57.4 percent among those aged 62–69). By race/ethnicity, awareness is lowest among Asian/Pacific Islander respondents (42.6 percent), although the difference from other race and ethnicity groups is not significant. People with the highest household income ($100,000 or more) are also less likely to know about the SSI program.

Nearly two in five people (37.0 percent) report that they are interested in learning more about SSA's disability programs (Question 3). People of color are substantially more likely than non-Hispanic White respondents to report interest in learning more. For instance, Asian/Pacific Islander respondents, who tend to have lower levels of program awareness, are 20.8 percentage points more likely than non-Hispanic White respondents to want to learn more (51.3 percent versus 30.5 percent). Respondents in the 30–49 and 50–61 age groups, who are most likely to experience work disabilities and potentially rely on DI and SSI, are also more likely than younger and older respondents to want to learn more.

Overall, relatively few respondents (36.5 percent) report that they know the best sources of information about SSA disability programs (Question 4). People with a long-term work-limiting disability are more likely to report that they know the best sources (44.4 percent), as are those aged 62–69 (45.0 percent).

Together, these findings suggest that some of the groups most likely to need disability benefits, such as people with a long-term work-limiting disability and those in the ages when disability onset is most common, are more likely to be aware of the DI and SSI programs. Still, only a minority of people report that they know the best place to seek information. The relatively low levels of program awareness and high levels of interest in acquiring more information among some race/ethnicity groups (Asian/Pacific Islander, non-Hispanic Black, and Hispanic) suggest that communication efforts targeting these groups may be useful.

Financial Eligibility for Disability Programs

In addition to having a general awareness of SSA's disability programs, potential applicants should understand whether they are financially eligible for DI benefits, SSI payments, or both. Each program has distinct rules for financial eligibility. To qualify for DI benefits, an individual generally must have worked and paid Social Security payroll taxes for at least one-quarter of the period between reaching age 21 and disability onset, including at least half of the 10 years immediately preceding disability onset. Workers who meet the duration-of-work criterion are considered “fully insured” and those who meet the recency-of-work criterion are considered ”disability insured” and thereby financially eligible to receive DI benefits.6

Findings from the UAS suggest that considerable portions of the population are unfamiliar with the financial eligibility rules for the DI program. Less than half of respondents (47.0 percent) knew that DI eligibility is not extended to everyone with a Social Security number (Table 3, Question 5), and when presented with a true/false question that overstated the work-duration criteria for fully insured status, only 42.1 percent correctly responded “false” (Question 6). On the other hand, 66.0 percent of respondents correctly identified work-recency requirements for disability-insured status (Question 7). However, note that Question 7 combined the financial eligibility query with a basic statement about DI medical eligibility (“an individual must have a medical condition that meets Social Security definition of disability”), about which public understanding may be more widespread. These relatively low levels of knowledge about financial eligibility suggest that some potentially qualifying individuals may not apply for benefits. Conversely, financially ineligible individuals, not knowing the requirements, may submit applications that will be denied.

Table 3. Knowledge of earnings-history eligibility requirements for DI benefits
Characteristic Number (unweighted) Q5: Basic DI eligibility (% correct) Q6: What qualifies as "fully insured" for DI? (% correct) Q7: What qualifies as "disability insured"? (% correct)
Total 6,492 47.0 42.1 66.0
Presence of long-term disability
No (reference category) 4,917 45.7 42.6 64.9
Yes 1,545 50.9* 40.5 69.6
Sex
Women 3,860 49.5* 44.0 66.5
Men (reference category) 2,632 44.4 40.1 65.7
Race/ethnicity
Non-Hispanic White (reference category) 4,323 48.7 39.5 67.2
Non-Hispanic Black 506 52.5 47.1* 63.2
Hispanic (any race) 850 38.4* 48.6* 62.4
Asian/Pacific Islander 405 40.5 45.2 67.7
American Indian/Alaska Native 147 34.1 62.6* 65.7
More than one race 252 44.5 36.6 68.5
Age
18–29 (reference category) 661 53.6 47.9 61.2
30–49 2,320 43.1* 45.7 65.5
50–61 1,556 51.3 44.9 69.4
62–69 1,033 46.5 37.3* 68.3
70 or older 913 45.7 29.1* 64.1
Educational attainment
Less than high school diploma or equivalent 318 51.9 47.2 65.3
High school diploma or equivalent 1,067 43.9 41.5 64.4
Some college, no degree 2,358 47.7 44.9 67.2
Bachelor's degree 1,610 48.6 39.0 66.3
Master's degree or higher (reference category) 1,137 47.5 39.5 68.3
Marital status
Married (reference category) 3,560 47.0 39.8 66.5
Divorced 1,113 46.6 44.0 68.3
Widowed 324 42.5 36.7 68.9
Never married 1,494 48.4 47.3* 63.2
Household income, last 12 months
Less than $50,000 2,242 48.8 43.9 65.0
$50,000–74,999 946 46.7 45.4 66.6
$75,000–99,999 804 44.4 37.2 64.4
$100,000 or more (reference category) 2,329 45.8 39.4 68.1
SOURCE: UAS Survey 322, results as of September 2021.
NOTES: Because some respondents did not answer all demographic questions, the sums of the characteristic groupings do not necessarily equal the sample size.
Appendix A presents the full text of the survey questions.
* = difference from reference category is statistically significant at the 0.05 level.

The SSI program does not require previous employment, but it sets limits on the amount of income and assets that a financially eligible applicant may have. In 2022, a qualifying applicant may have countable income of no more than $841 per month; if the applicant's spouse also applies for SSI, the couple's income limit is $1,261. Further, the resource limit for eligibility is $2,000 of countable assets for an individual and $3,000 for a couple. UAS Survey 322 does not include any questions specifically about SSI financial eligibility criteria. However, because awareness of the SSI program's existence is 49.9 percent, the share of respondents who know its eligibility criteria is presumably lower still.

Disability Benefit Application Process

In addition to knowing whether they are financially eligible for benefits, it is important for potential beneficiaries to understand the disability application process. For instance, a general understanding of the forms and evidence that must be submitted to demonstrate medical eligibility might facilitate the application process. Likewise, knowledge of the likelihood that an application will be allowed, and how long the application process will take, may help an individual decide whether to apply and make financial plans for the application period.

The first step toward receiving disability benefits is to apply. Nearly all respondents (92.9 percent) know that filing a claim is part of the process (Table 4, Question 8).7 Once an individual applies, staff at a Social Security field office processes the application and determines whether the individual is financially eligible. If the applicant is not financially eligible, SSA issues a “technical denial.” If the applicant is financially eligible, the application is sent to a Disability Determination Service (DDS) office, which adjudicates whether the applicant meets SSA's definition of disability. Individuals are considered disabled if they have a medical condition that prevents them from working at a substantial level for at least 12 months. After a DDS determines that an applicant is disabled, the claim is allowed. DI benefits begin 5 months after the onset of an individual's disability in most cases,8 and SSI payments begin immediately after a DDS determination of eligibility. If the DDS determines that the applicant is not disabled—a “medical denial”—the individual may appeal the decision. In most cases, the appeal process begins with a reconsideration of the decision at the DDS office. As needed, applicants may take subsequent appeals to an administrative law judge at a Social Security hearing office, to SSA's Appeals Council, and then to a federal court.

Table 4. Knowledge of aspects of the DI application process
Characteristic Number (unweighted) Q8: Aware that individuals need to apply for benefits? (% yes) Q9: Typical time to decision (% correct: 6 months or longer) Q10: Ultimate allowance rate for DI applicants?
Underestimates (% estimating less than 40 percent) Correct (% estimating 40–60 percent) Overestimates (% estimating more than 60 percent)
Total 6,492 92.9 50.1 29.5 41.1 29.4
Presence of long-term disability
No (reference category) 4,917 92.5 44.5 27.9* 41.1 31.0*
Yes 1,545 94.1 66.7* 34.5 41.2 24.3
Sex
Women 3,860 91.8 54.5* 31.6* 41.9 26.5*
Men (reference category) 2,632 94.2 45.5 27.3 40.4 32.4
Race/ethnicity
Non-Hispanic White (reference category) 4,323 84.4 53.0 28.0 40.3 31.7
Non-Hispanic Black 506 87.3 62.5* 37.3* 45.2 17.5*
Hispanic (any race) 850 90.7 36.7* 28.5 44.3 27.2
Asian/Pacific Islander 405 91.4 23.9* 32.0 37.9 30.1
American Indian/Alaska Native 147 79.1 53.2 35.3 39.1 25.6
More than one race 252 98.9* 50.4 31.8 36.2 32.1
Age
18–29 (reference category) 661 82.9 29.7 32.4 41.6 26.0
30–49 2,320 91.9* 48.9* 32.0 42.0 26.0
50–61 1,556 94.3* 59.2* 30.3 39.0 30.7
62–69 1,033 97.1* 57.7* 27.5 38.9 33.6
70 or older 913 96.7* 47.5* 21.9* 44.6 33.5*
Educational attainment
Less than high school diploma or equivalent 318 84.3* 62.6* 38.8* 39.7 21.5*
High school diploma or equivalent 1,067 91.5* 57.3* 31.0* 42.9 26.1*
Some college, no degree 2,358 93.5* 52.5* 31.5* 41.0 27.5*
Bachelor's degree 1,610 94.8 37.3 23.5 41.3 35.1
Master's degree or higher (reference category) 1,137 96.9 41.7 25.6 38.7 35.8
Marital status
Married (reference category) 3,560 95.0 47.7 26.9 39.6 33.5
Divorced 1,113 93.3 62.3* 34.4* 41.2 24.3*
Widowed 324 94.4 62.0* 28.4 42.5 29.2
Never married 1,494 87.4* 44.8 32.5* 44.5 23.0*
Household income, last 12 months
Less than $50,000 2,242 89.6* 56.4* 35.7* 41.3 23.1*
$50,000–74,999 946 94.2 50.9* 29.8 40.8 29.4
$75,000–99,999 804 92.9 50.1* 26.2 40.3 33.5
$100,000 or more (reference category) 2,329 96.1 42.5 24.0 41.7 34.3
SOURCE: UAS Survey 322, results as of September 2021.
NOTES: Because some respondents did not answer all demographic questions, the sums of the characteristic groupings do not necessarily equal the sample size.
Appendix A presents the full text of the survey questions.
* = difference from reference category is statistically significant at the 0.05 level.

In all, the disability determination process may take as little as a few months or as much as 2 years or longer, depending on whether an individual appeals an initial DDS denial. For all DI and SSI applications filed in 2013, the average processing time was 238 days, or about 8 months (Social Security Advisory Board 2017). Half of UAS respondents correctly estimated that the application process typically takes 6 months or more (Question 9). Workers with a long-term disability, older respondents, and those with lower levels of education and income were more likely to correctly estimate the length of application. Asian/Pacific Islander and Hispanic respondents were more likely to estimate that the application process is quicker than it is—with 76.1 and 63.3 percent, respectively, believing that the process takes fewer than 6 months on average.

About 50 percent of DI applicants receive an allowance either at the initial DDS level or upon appeal (SSA 2021, Table 60). When asked to estimate the ultimate allowance rate for DI applicants, 41.1 percent of respondents correctly estimated the rate to within about 10 percentage points (40–60 percent; Question 10). Equal proportions underestimated the allowance rate (29.5 percent) and overestimated it (29.4 percent). Non-Hispanic Black respondents, people with disabilities, and people with lower educational attainment and household income were more likely to underestimate allowance rates. It may be worth exploring whether perceptions about allowance rates affect the decision to apply, particularly among the populations that are more likely to underestimate the allowance rate.

Disability Determination Process

At both the DDS and appeals levels, examiners follow a five-step process to determine whether the applicant's medical condition and diminished work capacity qualify for disability benefits (Wixon and Strand 2013). This process requires applicants to submit evidence of their medical condition, their past and current work, and their ability to engage in different physical and mental aspects of work.9

In step 1 of the disability determination process, examiners verify that the applicant is not engaging in “substantial” work, as defined by an earnings level. In 2022, the earnings thresholds that qualify as substantial gainful activity (SGA) are $1,350 per month for individuals who are not blind and $2,260 for blind individuals. If the applicant has earnings that meet or exceed the SGA threshold, the application is denied. If the examiners verify that the applicant is not working at the SGA level, they review the medical evidence provided by the applicant in step 2, in which they determine whether the applicant's medical condition is severe and long-term. A condition is considered severe if it significantly affects the applicant's ability to engage in the basic physical and mental tasks of work. The condition is considered long-term if it expected to last longer than 12 months or to result in death. If the condition is determined to be severe and long-term, the process continues to step 3; if not, the application is medically denied.

In step 3, examiners determine whether the applicant's condition “meets or equals” medical criteria contained in the agency's Listing of Impairments. If the applicant has a single condition that meets the listings' severity criteria or has multiple conditions that combine to equal the listings' criteria, the examiner grants a medical allowance for disability benefits. Applicants who are determined to have a severe, long-term impairment, but whose conditions do not meet or equal the listings' medical criteria, receive a work history evaluation in step 4 of the determination process.

At step 4, examiners evaluate whether the applicant has the physical and mental capacity to resume work in any recently held jobs. If so, the application is denied. For applicants who cannot perform their previous work, disability examiners consider, in step 5, whether they can perform any work in the national economy based on their physical and mental capacity, accounting also for other characteristics such as age, education, and skilled work experience. If the examiner finds that the applicant can engage in a significant number of jobs, the applicant is deemed ineligible for benefits. If the claimant is found to be unable to make the adjustment to any other work, considering his or her residual functional capacity, age, education, and work experience, then the applicant is eligible for benefits (SSA 2018).

The public's knowledge about these five steps varies. For step 1, 60.9 percent of a subpanel consisting of respondents who have ever applied for DI benefits or SSI payments are aware that individuals who work but have earnings beneath the SGA threshold may retain benefit eligibility (Table 5). Awareness of this rule is substantially lower among Asian/Pacific Islander and Hispanic program participants, however.

Table 5. Knowledge of step 1 of the 5-step disability determination process among DI and SSI applicants
Characteristic Number (unweighted) Q11: Step 1 knowledge (% aware of SGA criterion)
Total 1,056 60.9
Presence of long-term disability
No (reference category) 0 . . .
Yes 1,056 60.9
Sex
Women 407 61.2
Men (reference category) 649 59.7
Race/ethnicity
Non-Hispanic White (reference category) 628 63.7
Non-Hispanic Black 165 59.7
Hispanic (any race) 133 48.1*
Asian/Pacific Islander 40 35.0*
American Indian/Alaska Native 33 56.8
More than one race 54 72.5
Age
18–29 (reference category) 58 57.2
30–49 306 62.0
50–61 334 61.7
62–69 241 61.0
70 or older 115 57.0
Educational attainment
Less than high school diploma or equivalent 123 62.6
High school diploma or equivalent 251 59.6
Some college, no degree 472 59.0
Bachelor's degree 142 66.4
Master's degree or higher (reference category) 67 67.3
Marital status
Married (reference category) 430 57.8
Divorced 293 63.5
Widowed 81 62.0
Never married 252 62.6
Household income, last 12 months
Less than $50,000 623 59.4
$50,000–74,999 128 55.6
$75,000–99,999 99 60.9
$100,000 or more (reference category) 179 72.1
SOURCE: UAS Survey 322, results as of September 2021.
NOTES: Because some respondents did not answer all demographic questions, the sums of the characteristic groupings do not necessarily equal the sample size.
Appendix A presents the full text of the survey questions.
. . . = not applicable; * = difference from reference category is statistically significant at the 0.05 level.

For step 2, about half of the population (51.0 percent) knows that people with short-term disabilities—that is, disabilities expected to last less than 12 months—do not qualify for DI benefits (Table 6, Question 12). Two-thirds of respondents (66.0 percent) know that the consideration of medical conditions is part of the determination process, which is relevant to step 3 (Question 13). We find little evidence that awareness of steps 2 and 3 vary by individual characteristics.

Table 6. Knowledge of steps 2–5 of the 5-step DI disability determination process
Characteristic Number (unweighted) Q12: Step 2 knowledge (% aware that short-term disability does not qualify for benefits) Q13: Step 3 knowledge (% aware of work history and SSA disability definition criteria) Q14: Step 4 knowledge (% aware of resumption of past work criteria) Q15: Step 5 knowledge (% aware of criteria involving capacity to do any work)
Total 6,492 51.0 66.0 57.1 80.9
Presence of long-term disability
No (reference category) 4,917 51.1 64.9 55.3 80.1
Yes 1,545 50.4 69.6 62.4* 82.9
Sex
Women 3,860 50.6 66.5 59.9 80.7
Men (reference category) 2,632 51.4 65.7 54.2 81.1
Race/ethnicity
Non-Hispanic White (reference category) 4,323 52.5 67.2 59.5 84.1
Non-Hispanic Black 506 50.0 63.2 51.6* 72.3*
Hispanic (any race) 850 47.4 62.4 55.7 74.3*
Asian/Pacific Islander 405 45.5 67.7 50.7* 76.2*
American Indian/Alaska Native 147 50.9 65.7 40.8* 74.1
More than one race 252 48.4 68.5 46.4* 84.9
Age
18–29 (reference category) 661 48.0 61.2 55.4 72.0
30–49 2,320 53.0 65.5 53.8 79.3*
50–61 1,556 53.7 69.4 59.1 81.3*
62–69 1,033 49.4 68.3 58.1 85.4*
70 or older 913 45.8 64.1 62.7 86.5*
Educational attainment
Less than high school diploma or equivalent 318 52.1 65.3 59.9 77.2*
High school diploma or equivalent 1,067 48.6 64.4 61.2* 78.5*
Some college, no degree 2,358 51.3 67.2 56.6 81.7
Bachelor's degree 1,610 50.3 66.3 52.8 81.5
Master's degree or higher (reference category) 1,137 55.8 68.3 54.1 85.3
Marital status
Married (reference category) 3,560 52.3 66.5 55.5 82.1
Divorced 1,113 50.1 68.3 63.1* 80.8
Widowed 324 48.3 68.9 66.3* 87.2
Never married 1,494 49.1 63.2 54.9 76.7
Household income, last 12 months
Less than $50,000 2,242 49.3 65.0 58.4 78.8
$50,000–74,999 946 49.8 66.6 55.3 84.0
$75,000–99,999 804 49.9 64.4 60.3 77.4
$100,000 or more (reference category) 2,329 53.7 68.1 54.6 82.6
SOURCE: UAS Survey 322, results as of September 2021.
NOTES: Because some respondents did not answer all demographic questions, the sums of the characteristic groupings do not necessarily equal the sample size.
Appendix A presents the full text of the survey questions.
* = difference from reference category is statistically significant at the 0.05 level.

For step 4, 57.1 percent of the population correctly reported that benefits will be denied if the applicant is judged to be able to perform previous work (Question 14). Awareness of step 4 is higher among people with a long-term work-limiting disability (62.4 percent) and people who are widowed (66.3 percent) or divorced (63.1 percent) but is lower among respondents who are American Indian/Alaska Native (40.8 percent), Asian/Pacific Islander (50.7 percent), and non-Hispanic Black (51.6 percent) than those who are non-Hispanic White (59.5 percent).

Awareness is higher for step 5 (80.9 percent, Question 15) than for any other. Older respondents are especially likely to know that disability benefits will be denied if the applicant can perform other work in the national economy. Awareness is lower among respondents who are non-Hispanic Black (72.3 percent), Hispanic (74.3 percent), and Asian/Pacific Islander (76.2 percent) than those who are non-Hispanic White (84.1 percent).

Typical Benefit Amounts

To enable financial planning, potential disability-program beneficiaries are well-served to be aware of the amount of monthly income they may receive. Most DI beneficiaries rely on these benefits for more than half of their monthly family income (Messel and Trenkamp 2022). Although DI benefit amounts vary depending on an individual's circumstances, the average disabled-worker benefit in December 2021 (shortly after the survey) was $1,358.30 and nearly two-thirds (65.8 percent) of disabled-worker beneficiaries received between $800 and $1,800 a month (SSA 2022a, Table 5.D2).

When asked to estimate the average DI benefit, most respondents (57.9 percent) correctly reported a figure in the $800 to $1,800 range (Table 7). Another 33.9 percent estimated a figure lower than $800 per month, and only 8.1 percent estimated more than $1,800 per month. People with disabilities are more likely to correctly estimate the average DI benefit (63.8 percent), yet they too are far more likely to underestimate the monthly benefit (31.1 percent) than to overestimate it (5.1 percent). Women, younger adults, individuals without a high school diploma, and American Indian/Alaska Native, non-Hispanic Black, and Hispanic respondents are relatively more likely to underestimate DI benefits than are other groups. Overall, this evidence suggests that the public does not tend to overestimate the amount of monthly DI benefits.

Table 7. Knowledge of typical monthly DI benefit amounts
Characteristic Number (unweighted) Q16: Average monthly DI benefit?
Underestimates (% estimating less than $800) Correct (% estimating $800 to $1,800) Overestimates (% estimating more than $1,800)
Total 6,492 33.9 57.9 8.1
Presence of long-term disability
No (reference category) 4,917 34.8 55.9 9.3
Yes 1,545 31.1 63.8* 5.1*
Sex
Women 3,860 39.0 54.8* 6.2
Men (reference category) 2,632 28.6 61.2 10.2
Race/ethnicity
Non-Hispanic White (reference category) 4,323 31.0 60.4 8.7
Non-Hispanic Black 506 44.5* 51.3* 4.3*
Hispanic (any race) 850 38.0* 54.4 7.6
Asian/Pacific Islander 405 36.7 52.1 11.2
American Indian/Alaska Native 147 53.9 43.1* 3.0*
More than one race 252 28.3* 62.0 9.7
Age
18–29 (reference category) 661 43.8 48.5 7.7
30–49 2,320 40.7 52.9 6.4
50–61 1,556 29.3* 61.4* 9.4
62–69 1,033 24.6* 67.1* 8.3
70 or older 913 26.5* 62.7* 10.7
Educational attainment
Less than high school diploma or equivalent 318 45.8* 50.8 3.5
High school diploma or equivalent 1,067 35.8 58.3 5.9
Some college, no degree 2,358 32.7 59.8 7.5
Bachelor's degree 1,610 30.1 58.6 11.3
Master's degree or higher (reference category) 1,137 31.0 57.1 11.9
Marital status
Married (reference category) 3,560 32.0 58.4 9.6
Divorced 1,113 31.4 61.9 6.7
Widowed 324 26.7 69.4* 3.9*
Never married 1,494 42.0* 51.4 6.6
Household income, last 12 months
Less than $50,000 2,242 40.7* 54.3* 5.0*
$50,000–74,999 946 33.3 57.8 8.9
$75,000–99,999 804 28.7 61.6 9.7
$100,000 or more (reference category) 2,329 28.5 60.6 10.9
SOURCE: UAS Survey 322, results as of September 2021.
NOTES: Because some respondents did not answer all demographic questions, the sums of the characteristic groupings do not necessarily equal the sample size.
Appendix A presents the full text of the survey questions.
* = difference from reference category is statistically significant at the 0.05 level.

SSI disability payments are typically lower than DI benefits, with a maximum federal benefit in 2022 of $841 per month for an individual and $1,261 for a married couple who are both eligible for SSI.10 UAS Survey 322 does not ask respondents to estimate the average SSI monthly payment.

Family Benefits

In addition to disabled-worker benefits, DI may pay auxiliary benefits to the disabled worker's spouse and children. Each spouse or child may receive up to 50 percent of the amount that the disabled worker receives, although the total amount of benefits that the disabled worker's family may receive cannot exceed 188 percent of the worker's benefit (Romig and Shoffner 2015). SSI does not offer auxiliary payments.

Nearly three in four respondents (72.4 percent) know that the DI program features auxiliary benefits (Table 8, Question 17). Younger adults, respondents without a high school diploma, and those who are Hispanic or Asian/Pacific Islander are less likely to be aware that DI provides auxiliary benefits.

Table 8. Knowledge of family (auxiliary) benefits and health insurance coverage
Characteristic Number (unweighted) Q17: Aware of auxiliary benefits? (% yes) Q18: Aware of lag between DI eligibility and Medicare coverage? (% yes) Q19: Aware of Medicaid coverage for SSI recipients? (% yes)
Total 6,492 72.4 44.1 87.1
Presence of long-term disability
No (reference category) 4,917 72.3 43.7 85.9
Yes 1,545 72.4 45.3 90.4*
Sex
Women 3,860 70.6 46.1 87.0
Men (reference category) 2,632 74.4 42.0 87.1
Race/ethnicity
Non-Hispanic White (reference category) 4,323 74.9 44.5 88.2
Non-Hispanic Black 506 71.4 44.3 83.7
Hispanic (any race) 850 65.2* 44.6 86.2
Asian/Pacific Islander 405 63.3* 41.0 83.3
American Indian/Alaska Native 147 69.3 38.7 84.6
More than one race 252 70.7 39.5 85.6
Age
18–29 (reference category) 661 62.3 44.6 77.5
30–49 2,320 70.1* 43.4 86.2*
50–61 1,556 73.4* 46.5 87.3*
62–69 1,033 78.4* 43.1 91.8*
70 or older 913 78.0* 43.1 91.3*
Educational attainment
Less than high school diploma or equivalent 318 63.6* 41.3 85.0
High school diploma or equivalent 1,067 71.0* 44.3 85.1
Some college, no degree 2,358 71.6* 42.2 87.6
Bachelor's degree 1,610 75.1 45.8 89.1
Master's degree or higher (reference category) 1,137 78.0 46.5 88.4
Marital status
Married (reference category) 3,560 75.7 43.9 88.1
Divorced 1,113 71.8 46.0 88.4
Widowed 324 72.5 44.4 91.7
Never married 1,494 65.0* 43.1 82.7*
Household income, last 12 months
Less than $50,000 2,242 67.7* 41.4 86.3
$50,000–74,999 946 73.8 46.4 86.1
$75,000–99,999 804 74.9 47.8 88.3
$100,000 or more (reference category) 2,329 76.8 44.8 88.1
SOURCE: UAS Survey 322, results as of September 2021.
NOTES: Because some respondents did not answer all demographic questions, the sums of the characteristic groupings do not necessarily equal the sample size.
Appendix A presents the full text of the survey questions.
* = difference from reference category is statistically significant at the 0.05 level.

Health Insurance

In addition to monthly payments, DI beneficiaries and SSI recipients receive access to health insurance through the Medicare and Medicaid programs, respectively. DI beneficiaries are generally eligible for the Medicare coverage 29 months after they become entitled for DI benefits.11,12 SSI recipients in most states are eligible for Medicaid coverage beginning 1 month after they qualify for SSI payments.

When asked whether DI beneficiaries receive Medicare coverage immediately after monthly benefits start, only 44.1 percent of respondents correctly answered “false” (Table 8, Question 18), indicating low awareness of the 2-year waiting period. Knowledge of the waiting period did not vary by disability status or other individual characteristics. However, 87.1 percent of respondents correctly answered “true” that SSI recipients are also eligible for Medicaid (Question 19).13 People with a long-term work-limiting disability and older adults were more likely to be aware of Medicaid eligibility for SSI recipients.

Continuing Eligibility

DI and SSI eligibility may discontinue for various reasons. If evidence of work above the SGA level for a sustained period emerges, then a beneficiary or recipient of either program is determined to be no longer disabled. SSI eligibility also may cease if a recipient's assets surpass program thresholds. In addition to these financial factors, DI beneficiaries and SSI recipients must maintain medical eligibility by undergoing periodic continuing disability reviews (CDRs). CDRs generally occur every 3, 5, or 7 years, depending on the extent to which the individual's medical condition is expected to improve (SSA, n.d. a). If a CDR examiner determines that an individual has experienced medical improvement and can currently engage in SGA, the individual's benefits will cease.14

Most respondents (86.2 percent) understand that individuals will no longer receive DI benefits if their medical condition improves (Table 9). Awareness is highest for older respondents and those with higher levels of education. It is substantially lower among American Indian/Alaska Native respondents (56.2 percent).

Table 9. Knowledge that eligibility for disability benefits may discontinue
Characteristic Number (unweighted) Q20: Eligibility may discontinue if condition improves (% correct)
Total 6,492 86.2
Presence of long-term disability
No (reference category) 4,917 85.3
Yes 1,545 88.5
Sex
Women 3,860 86.0
Men (reference category) 2,632 86.3
Race/ethnicity
Non-Hispanic White (reference category) 4,323 88.6
Non-Hispanic Black 506 80.1*
Hispanic (any race) 850 83.1*
Asian/Pacific Islander 405 81.2*
American Indian/Alaska Native 147 56.2*
More than one race 252 84.5
Age
18–29 (reference category) 661 79.0
30–49 2,320 85.0
50–61 1,556 87.2*
62–69 1,033 88.2*
70 or older 913 90.9*
Educational attainment
Less than high school diploma or equivalent 318 81.9*
High school diploma or equivalent 1,067 83.4*
Some college, no degree 2,358 83.9*
Bachelor's degree 1,610 90.6
Master's degree or higher (reference category) 1,137 92.2
Marital status
Married (reference category) 3,560 87.3
Divorced 1,113 86.5
Widowed 324 91.4
Never married 1,494 81.8*
Household income, last 12 months
Less than $50,000 2,242 81.8*
$50,000–74,999 946 86.8
$75,000–99,999 804 87.8
$100,000 or more (reference category) 2,329 89.9
SOURCE: UAS Survey 322, results as of September 2021.
NOTES: Because some respondents did not answer all demographic questions, the sums of the characteristic groupings do not necessarily equal the sample size.
Appendix A presents the full text of the survey questions.
* = difference from reference category is statistically significant at the 0.05 level.

Composite Program Knowledge

We find three significant differences across demographic groups in the composite program-knowledge measure (Table 10). First, people with disabilities tend to exhibit high levels of program knowledge (68.1 percent, versus 63.9 percent for the entire population). This makes sense, because people with disabilities are more likely to have applied for and participated in one or both of the programs. Second, composite program knowledge appears to increase with age: Respondents aged 50–61 scored 66.6 percent on the composite measure, compared with 56.6 percent for those aged 18–29. This result also makes sense, because the incidence of work-limiting disabilities and the filing of SSA disability program applications both increase for individuals approaching retirement age (SSA 2021). Finally, composite program knowledge varies by race and ethnicity. Respondents who are Asian/Pacific Islander (58.1 percent), American Indian/Alaska Native (58.5 percent), and Hispanic (60.4 percent) have lower scores on the composite measure than those who are non-Hispanic White (65.5 percent). Knowledge differences are statistically significant, even when accounting for age-distribution differences between these populations.

Table 10. Composite measure of knowledge about disability programs
Characteristic Number (unweighted) Composite knowledge (% questions answered correctly)
Total 6,492 63.9
Presence of long-term disability
No (reference category) 4,917 62.5*
Yes 1,545 68.1
Sex
Women 3,860 64.2
Men (reference category) 2,632 63.7
Race/ethnicity
Non-Hispanic White (reference category) 4,323 65.5
Non-Hispanic Black 506 62.4*
Hispanic (any race) 850 60.4*
Asian/Pacific Islander 405 58.1*
American Indian/Alaska Native 147 58.5*
More than one race 252 63.9
Age
18–29 (reference category) 661 56.6
30–49 2,320 62.2*
50–61 1,556 66.6*
62–69 1,033 67.6*
70 or older 913 65.7*
Educational attainment
Less than high school diploma or equivalent 318 63.1
High school diploma or equivalent 1,067 63.4
Some college, no degree 2,358 64.6
Bachelor's degree 1,610 63.7
Master's degree or higher (reference category) 1,137 64.7
Marital status
Married (reference category) 3,560 64.3
Divorced 1,113 66.5
Widowed 324 68.2
Never married 1,494 60.3*
Household income, last 12 months
Less than $50,000 2,242 63.1
$50,000–74,999 946 64.5
$75,000–99,999 804 64.2
$100,000 or more (reference category) 2,329 64.5
SOURCE: UAS Survey 322, results as of September 2021.
NOTES: Because some respondents did not answer all demographic questions, the sums of the characteristic groupings do not necessarily equal the sample size.
Appendix A presents the full text of the survey questions.
* = difference from reference category is statistically significant at the 0.05 level.

Conclusions

SSA disability programs protect people who are not able to work at SGA level because of a severe and long-term health condition. It is important for the public not only to be aware that these programs exist, but also to understand basic program aspects such as eligibility rules, the application and determination processes, and the monthly income that these programs provide. This knowledge is helpful for financial planning and, more specifically, when preparing to apply for benefits.

Descriptive findings from the UAS suggest that about three in four adults know that the DI program exists, but only half know that the SSI program exists. Knowledge about specific program aspects varies. For instance, majorities of respondents know that an individual must apply for disability benefits, that an applicant must meet the medical criteria for benefits, and that beneficiaries can become ineligible for benefits if their medical condition improves. However, knowledge about other program aspects is lower. For instance, there seems to be confusion about financial eligibility for DI benefits. Furthermore, about half of UAS respondents believe that the determination process is quicker than it is. By identifying the program aspects about which the public is less knowledgeable, SSA and other interested parties can better tailor communication and services for people with disabilities. In turn, potential applicants may be better prepared to decide whether to apply and know what to expect from the application process.

We also find that the composite measure of disability program knowledge is lower among people of color, even when controlling for age. People of color are also more likely to report that they are interested in learning about disability programs. Together, these findings suggest the promise of targeting these populations for informational outreach. Research also indicates that people of color are more likely to experience structural barriers in acquiring information about retirement planning, particularly from channels outside their social networks and employers (Chang 2005; Chard, Messel, and Rogofsky forthcoming). Future research can seek ways to identify and remove the structural barriers that account for the disparities in program knowledge.

Our analysis faces several limitations, some of which may also be addressed in future research. First, our descriptive analysis demonstrates only that public knowledge differs by program aspect and population subgroup; it cannot explain why these differences exist. Future surveys or other quantitative analyses could address, at least partially, the reasons for these differences. SSA might learn more about the barriers faced by populations with lower program knowledge by using in-person interviews with open-ended questions. Research could also include additional demographic characteristics, such as urban/rural residence, that would be useful for identifying other potential outreach target groups. Future versions of the disability program knowledge survey could also include additional questions about the SSI program, which are relatively lacking in UAS Survey 322. Moreover, future research could explore whether studies using address-based samples, such as the UAS, are able to reach a sample representative of the full population of people with disabilities. For instance, people with disabilities who do not have a stable address may not be included in the sampling frame. This may lead to underrepresentation of unhoused people with disabilities who may qualify for SSI payments based on their income and resource levels.

Furthermore, our findings do not control for demographic and socioeconomic factors affecting disability program knowledge in the general population. Future studies controlling for these factors (and accounting for interactions between the various factors) may shed more light on these relationships. As the sample size of disability program knowledge respondents grows, these types of analysis should become more feasible.

Appendix A: UAS 322 Survey Questionnaire

Listed below are the full-text versions of the UAS 322 survey questions, the responses to which are summarized in Tables 2–9. In some instances, the wording of the questions has been slightly modified for contextual clarity. Correct answers, or those indicating the respondent's knowledge or interest as highlighted in the tables, are noted.

General Awareness of SSA Disability Programs
Question 1 DI awareness Were you aware that the DI program exists?
☑️ Yes ☐ No
Question 2 SSI awareness Were you aware that the SSI program exists for disabled people with low income?
☑️ Yes ☐ No
Question 3 Interest in learning more about disability programs I am interested in learning more about Social Security disability benefits.
☑️ Agree strongly
☑️ Agree somewhat
☐ Neither agree nor disagree
☐ Disagree somewhat
☐ Disagree strongly
Question 4 Sources of information about DI I know what the best sources of information are for learning about Social Security disability benefits.
☑️ Agree strongly
☑️ Agree somewhat
☐ Neither agree nor disagree
☐ Disagree somewhat
☐ Disagree strongly
Financial Eligibility for Disability Programs
Question 5 Basic eligibility Anyone with a Social Security number is eligible for DI benefits.
☐ True ☑️ False
Question 6 “Fully insured” status People need to have been employed and paid Social Security taxes for at least 60 quarters (15 years) to be eligible for DI benefits.
☐ True ☑️ False
Question 7 “Disability insured” status To qualify for DI benefits, an individual must have worked in jobs covered by Social Security in the last 10 years and have a medical condition that meets Social Security definition of disability.
☑️ True ☐ False
Disability Benefit Application Process
Question 8 Submitting application People must submit a claim for review by Social Security before they can receive DI benefits.
☑️ True ☐ False
Question 9 Typical time needed to reach a decision On average, how long do you think it takes from the time an individual applies for disability benefits until they start receiving benefits?
☐ Less than 1 week
☐ A few weeks
☐ A couple of months
☐ Several months
☑️ Between 6 months and 1 year
☑️ More than 1 year
Question 10 Ultimate allowance rate What percentage of applicants do you believe are ultimately approved for disability benefits?
[Answers within the range of 40 percent to 60 percent are considered correct.]
Disability Determination Process
Question 11 Step 1—SGA Were you aware of the Social Security rule that states that an individual who files for disability benefits may be working if their income is below the SGA amount?
☑️ Yes ☐ No
[This question is asked only of individuals who have ever applied for DI benefits or SSI payments. All other questions are asked of all respondents.]
Question 12 Step 2—”Severe” and “long-term” disability People with short-term disability (one that is expected to last less than 12 months) are not eligible for DI.
☑️ True ☐ False
Question 13 Step 3—Medical criteria (Listing of Impairments) To qualify for DI benefits, an individual must have worked in jobs covered by Social Security in the last 10 years and have a medical condition that meets Social Security definition of disability.
☑️ True ☐ False
Question 14 Step 4—Ability to perform past work An individual who can perform work that he or she has done in the past may still be able to receive DI benefits.
☐ True ☑️ False
Question 15 Step 5—Ability to perform other work If the DDS office decides—based on the claimant's age, education, experience, and skills—that he or she can do other work, the claim will be denied.
☑️ True ☐ False
Typical Benefit Amounts
Question 16 Average benefit On average, how much do you think DI beneficiaries receive in disability benefits?
[Answers within the range of $800 to $1,800 per month are considered correct.]
Family Benefits
Question 17 Auxiliary benefits Spouses and children of a person with disabilities may also receive DI benefits based on the person's earnings record.
☑️ True ☐ False
Health Insurance
Question 18 Medicare coverage for DI beneficiaries DI beneficiaries are insured by Medicare immediately after the start date for their benefit.
☐ True ☑️ False
Question 19 Medicaid coverage for SSI recipients SSI beneficiaries are eligible for Medicaid coverage.
☑️ True ☐ False
Continuing Eligibility
Question 20 Eligibility duration A person receiving DI benefits will continue to receive benefits forever, even if the condition improves until the beneficiary is no longer considered disabled.
☐ True ☑️ False

Notes

1 Members of an insured disabled worker's family may also be eligible for DI benefits.

2 Stakeholders include nonprofit advocacy groups and policymakers in SSA and other federal or state and local agencies.

3 One question was administered only to individuals who had ever applied for DI benefits or SSI payments, and two other questions addressed respondent attitudes toward learning about the programs rather than assessing program knowledge.

4 Because Survey 322 is still in the field, the sample size has since increased.

5 Consistent with the UAS definition, we define individuals as having a long-term disability if they answer yes to the question “Do you have any impairment or health problem that limits the kind or amount of paid work you can do?” and no to the question “Is this a temporary condition that will last for less than 3 months?”

6 These criteria are adjusted for workers younger than 31 (SSA 2022c) and individuals who are blind (SSA 2012).

7 This result is for all survey respondents. Conditional on DI awareness, the figure is 95.8 percent (versus 84.1 percent among those who are not aware of the DI program). Conditional on SSI awareness, the figure is 94.9 percent (versus 91.0 percent of those who aren't aware of SSI).

8 Because disability onset may be deemed to have occurred prior to application, initial DI benefits are sometimes retroactive.

9 The applicant's responsibility for evidence is detailed in the Code of Federal Regulations (see https://www.ssa.gov/OP_Home/cfr20/416/416-0912.htm).

10 These amounts, known as the federal benefit rates, are generally equal to the maximum countable income level for an SSI recipient.

11 The 5-month waiting period between entitlement and first receipt of DI benefits is followed by an additional 24-month waiting period before Medicare coverage begins. Entitlement for DI benefits refers to the month when an individual met both the financial and medical eligibility for the DI program. When an individual is determined to have been entitled to DI benefits for 29 or more months prior to the allowance decision, Medicare coverage begins immediately.

12 Medicare coverage does not apply to auxiliary beneficiaries unless they are also insured for DI.

13 We considered “true” to be the correct answer. However, because state Medicaid coverage provisions for SSI recipients are not uniform, UAS respondents residing in some states may have correctly answered “false.”

14 A CDR involves an 8-step sequential evaluation process that considers an individual's current impairments and medical evidence, as outlined in SSA (2022b). In the Code of Federal Regulations, SSA states that “in most instances, we must show that you are able to engage in [SGA] before your benefits are stopped. When doing this, we will consider all your current impairments not just that impairment(s) present at the time of the most recent favorable determination. If we cannot determine that you are still disabled based on medical considerations alone…, we will use the new symptoms, signs, and laboratory findings to make an objective assessment of your functional capacity to do basic work activities or residual functional capacity and we will consider your [age, education, and skilled work experience]” (see https://www.ssa.gov/OP_Home/cfr20/404/404-1594.htm).

References

Alattar, Laith, Matt Messel, and David Rogofsky. 2018. “An Introduction to the Understanding America Study Internet Panel.” Social Security Bulletin 78(2): 13–28.

Chang, Mariko Lin. 2005. “With a Little Help from My Friends (and My Financial Planner).” Social Forces 83(4): 1469–1497. 

Chard, Richard, Matt Messel, and David Rogofsky. Forthcoming. “Social Security Retirement Program Knowledge: Implications for Outreach and Future Research.” Research and Statistics Note. Washington, DC: SSA.

Messel, Matt, and Brad Trenkamp. 2022. “Characteristics of Noninstitutionalized DI, SSI, and OASI Program Participants, 2016 Update.” Research and Statistics Note No. 2022-01. Washington, DCSSA.

Romig, Kathleen, and Dave Shoffner. 2015. “Understanding the Social Security Family Maximum.” Social Security Bulletin 75(3): 1–13.

Social Security Administration. 2012. “Program Operations Manual System (POMS) RS 00301.150: Insured Status for Statutory Blindness.” https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0300301150.

———. 2018. “Program Operations Manual System (POMS) DI 22001.001: Sequential Evaluation of Title II and Title XVI Adult Disability Claims.” https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0422001001.

———. 2021. Annual Statistical Report on the Social Security Disability Insurance Program, 2020. Publication No. 13-11826. Washington, DCSSA. https://www.ssa.gov/policy/docs/statcomps/di_asr/2020/index.html.

———. 2022a. Annual Statistical Supplement to the Social Security Bulletin, 2022. SSA Publication No. 13-11700. Washington, DC: SSA. https://www.ssa.gov/policy/docs/statcomps/supplement/2022/index.html.

———. 2022b. “Program Operations Manual System (POMS) DI 28005.015: Step-by-Step Discussion of the Title II and Adult Title XVI Continuing Disability Review (CDR) Sequential Evaluation Process.” https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0428005015.

———. 2022c. “Program Operations Manual System (POMS) RS 00301.140: Special Insured Status for Disability Before Age 31.” https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0300301140.

———. n.d. a. “Disability Benefits: Your Continuing Eligibility” https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/disability/work.html.

———. n.d. b. “The Faces and Facts of Disability.” https://www.ssa.gov/disabilityfacts/facts.html.

Social Security Advisory Board. 2017. “Chart Collection: How Long Does It Take to Get a Disability Decision?” https://www.ssab.gov/research/how-long-does-it-take-to-get-a-disability-decision/.

SSA. See Social Security Administration.

Wixon, Bernard, and Alexander Strand. 2013. “Identifying SSA's Sequential Disability Determination Steps Using Administrative Data.” Research and Statistics Note No. 2013-01. Washington, DCSSA.