A Pipeline of Unscrupulous Practices: Qualitative Study of Attitudes Toward the Social Security Disability Program

Abstract

In the United States more than 8 million adults currently are covered by the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program, with enrollment projected to increase in the coming decades. This qualitative study explores views on work disability in the United States, and specifically on the SSDI program, among the general public. Six focus groups with a convenience sample of nonbeneficiary adults (N = 41) were conducted in Los Angeles. We found that in spite of low levels of familiarity with the program, suspicion and prejudice against people claiming disability benefits and against the program itself were widespread among our participants. Specifically, participants argued that (a) there is a high prevalence of “scammer” disability applicants, and (b) the program fails to adequately safeguard against nondisabled claimants. Moreover, they viewed disability benefits as a symbolic admission of weakness, contrary to the U.S. ethos of hard work and against “government handouts,” and expressed a preference for claiming disability benefits as a last resort if they were ever to develop a disabling condition. Exploring public perceptions of disability and disability benefit programs helps us shed light on current cultural narratives around these topical issues. Future research could examine the impact of stigma of beneficiary status on beneficiaries’ wellbeing.