[Applications for disability benefits before and after the 1991 restrictions]

In 1991, the eligibility criteria for disability benefits were restricted in Norway. Some effects are described in the present evaluation. Based on documents, first time applicants in 1990 and in 1993 in two counties were analysed according to social and medical variables. "Social security careers" before application are described, and proposals from physicians and the local social security office are compared with the decisions made by the county social security administration. Over a three-month period, applications decreased from 2.2 per 1,000 inhabitants in 1990 to 1.4 in 1993, a 39% decrease. About the same decrease was observed in all social and diagnostic groups. The proportion on vocational rehabilitation before application increased from 19% to 23% (p = 0.02). The certifying physicians proposed refusals in 9% and 8% in the two samples, and the local social security office did so in 12% and 13%. The refusal rate increased from 8% in 1990 to 21% in 1993. Refusals were mostly given to women, the middle-aged, those living alone, those with short education, and applicants with medically unclear conditions. It is pointed out that the restrictions on disability benefits in 1991 had the greatest impact on applicants with few resources.