Trends in the Composition and Outcomes of Young Social Security Disability Awardees

This paper provides new descriptive information on trends in the composition and outcomes of young (under age 40) Social Security Disability (SSD) beneficiaries first awarded benefits between 1996 and 2007, particularly differences between disabled workers and disabled adult children (DAC), and between beneficiaries with and without a Supplemental Security Income (SSI) history as children or adults. In 2007, compared to 1996, relatively more SSD awards to individuals under age 40 went to DAC versus disabled workers, to disabled workers and DAC who had received SSI benefits (especially as children) versus those with no SSI history, and to disabled workers and DAC with psychiatric disorders versus those with other types of impairments.