Differences in Disability Insurance Allowance Rates

This study examines racial and ethnic differences in Social Security Disability Insurance (DI) allowance rates using data from the American Community Survey linked to SSA records. While raw figures show lower allowance rates for non-Hispanic Black, Hispanic, and American Indian/Alaska Native applicants compared to non-Hispanic White applicants, much of the gap narrows after adjusting for socioeconomic and health factors. For most groups, differences are not statistically significant once matched on observable characteristics, though some evidence of lower approval remains for Black male applicants. The findings suggest that much of the observed disparity arises from differences in applicant profiles rather than systemic bias alone.