Understanding the Geographic Variation in Social Security Disability Insurance

We examine county-level variation in Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) applications and allowances from 1996 to 2014. We document substantial variation across counties, and that variation is rising over time. Rural counties generally have especially high rates of both allowances and applications. Mortality and poverty rates are associated with both higher allowance rates and with the growth rate of allowances over time. Male and female SSDI outcomes have different trends, as growth has been larger and more skewed across counties for women than for men. Male allowances and applications have relatively strong associations with economic factors, while female applications and allowances have relatively strong associations with mortality rates.