Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/10419/223981 
Year of Publication: 
2020
Series/Report no.: 
IZA Discussion Papers No. 13539
Publisher: 
Institute of Labor Economics (IZA), Bonn
Abstract: 
We study the welfare effects of disability insurance (DI) and derive social-optimality conditions for the two main DI policy parameters: (i) DI eligibility rules and (ii) DI benefits. Causal evidence from two DI reforms in Austria generate fiscal multipliers (total over mechanical cost reductions) of 2.0-2.5 for stricter DI eligibility rules and of 1.3-1.4 for lower DI benefits. Stricter DI eligibility rules generate lower income losses (earnings + transfers), particularly at the lower end of the income distribution. Hence, to roll back the Austrian DI program, policy makers should implement tighter DI eligibility rules rather than lower DI benefits. An application of our framework to the DI system of the U.S. suggests that DI eligibility rules are too strict and DI benefits are too low.
Subjects: 
disability insurance
screening
benefits
policy reform
JEL: 
H53
H55
J14
J21
J65
Document Type: 
Working Paper

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