Center for Disability Research

The onset of a severe health impairment can alter the course of an individual's career, in many cases leading to an unexpected and substantial reduction in labor market activity and, ultimately, long-term claiming of Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits.

The RAND Center for Disability Research (CDR) aims to better understand the social and economic causes and consequences of disability in the United States. Research themes include examining the roles of employers, healthcare markets, knowledge networks and social insurance programs such as SSDI.

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Targeting of SSDI Program Could Be Improved by Reducing the Variation in Initial Determinations — Mar 20, 2012

Though consistency in applying disability assessment criteria is intended, it is not easily achieved in practice. For many SSDI applicants, whether they are allowed or denied benefits depends upon the examiner to which their application is assigned.

Featured Report

Do Disability Benefits Discourage Work? — Sep 20, 2011

Does the receipt of Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) have a disincentive effect on the willingness of recipients to work? RAND research found that those who are relatively less impaired are much more likely to return to work if denied benefits, whereas beneficiaries with severe impairments would be no more likely to work had they not received SSDI.

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What Economic and Health Effects Has the Financial Crisis Had on Older Households? — Apr 27, 2012

What effect has the financial crisis had on households and health? RAND researchers seek to quantify the effects of the crisis on older U.S. households, and the adjustments made in response. With this information, they aim to determine whether downturns in economic status are associated with declines in health.

Is It Possible to Compare Life Satisfaction Around the World? — Apr 27, 2012

To understand what influences life satisfaction in different countries, it is important to correct for cultural differences in how people answer subjective questions. The RAND Center for the Study of Aging is attempting to increase the comparability of response scales across national boundaries.

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Researcher Spotlight

Nicole Maestas

Director, RAND Center for Disability Research

Nicole Maestas

Nicole Maestas is a senior economist, director of the RAND Center for Disability Research, and manager of the Economics and Statistics Group at the RAND Corporation. She is also a professor at the Pardee RAND Graduate School. Maestas's research addresses the economics of retirement, health, and…

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