Gender differences in social security disability decisions

This study analyzes gender differences in Social Security disability awards. Logit analysis is used to identify significant determinants of receiving a Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) award. The results show that, even after controlling for applicant characteristics and nature of impairment, women receive Social Security disability awards at a significantly lower rate than do men. An analysis of the process whereby eligibility for SSDI is determined shows that men and women are equally likely to satisfy medical criteria for awards, but women, particularly women over age 55, are more likely to be rejected on the basis of vocational criteria.