Abstract
This study is part of a larger investigation that explored the phenomenon called the Progression of Disability Benefits (PODB). PODB refers to the migration of workers with work-limiting disabilities through a system of economic disability benefits, resulting for some in their ultimate placement into the Social Security disability system. The present study focuses on 6,035 claims submitted to a large disability insurance company for financial support following the development of a mental disorder and examines the PODB phenomenon within this population. The study found significant relationships between demographic, work-related, International Classification of Diseases volume 9 (ICD-9) disorder, and benefit claims patterns. Claimants receiving mental disability benefits were more likely to be younger, female and to progress to advanced benefits than those with physical disabilities. Mental disability claims were most often based upon Mood disorders, followed by Anxiety/Stress-related and Substance-related disorders. Mood and Anxiety disorder clusters were comprised predominantly of females, whereas claimants with Substance-related disorders were predominantly male. Mental disorder type varied across US geographical region and industry type. PODB varied across disability type, gender, geographical region, and industry type.