Navigating the disability process: persons with mental disorders applying for and receiving disability benefits

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Health Services Research
• Disability Studies

Background:

• Individuals with mental disorders experience higher unemployment rates compared to the general population.
• Mental health conditions are a significant factor in disability benefit applications and awards.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify predictors of application and receipt of Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) among individuals with mental disorders.
• To understand the factors influencing the disability determination process for this population.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of data from the National Health Interview Survey on Disability (NHIS-D).
• Comparison of characteristics between SSDI/SSI applicants and non-applicants, and between recipients and non-recipients among applicants.

Main Results:

• SSDI/SSI applicants with mental disorders reported higher disability levels, fewer financial and interpersonal resources, and better access to program information than non-applicants.
• Similar factors differentiated benefit recipients from non-recipients among those who applied.
• The disability application and receipt process is influenced by the severity of impairment, socioeconomic disadvantages, and connections to the disability determination system.

Conclusions:

• Navigating the SSDI/SSI system is complex for individuals with mental disorders, influenced by disability extent, socioeconomic factors, and program linkage.
• Findings highlight the interplay between mental health, disability, and socioeconomic status in accessing vital social safety net programs.