Social Security Disability: Most of Gender Difference Explained

Pursuant to a congressional request, GAO reviewed the Social Security Disability Insurance (DI) program's allowance rates for older women, focusing on whether: (1) women aged 55 to 64 are receiving DI benefits at a lower rate than men; (2) the gender difference in allowance rates is due to differences in the type and severity of impairment or applicants' demographic characteristics; and (3) bias against older women is demonstrated by the accuracy ratings of disability decisions or the rates at which women and men eventually receive DI benefits.