Benefits Variables

Variables in this section are taken from the 831 Disability File (F831) that tracks all Title II (SSDI) and Title XVI (SSI) applications for disability payments from 1990 onwards. Using the F831 data, we created one record per person that reports number of filings, plus filing and decision dates, and the result of determination for the first, second, and most recent applications listed on the file.

We created separate variables for different application types (Title II-SSDI/Title XVI-SSI) so in total there is information on a maximum of 6 applications. We retain records for primary applicants only. Differences may exist between the disability variables on the MBR and the F831 due to differing lengths of the time series, as well as to the fact that research version of the MBR used to create the Gold Standard recorded a maximum of two events (e.g., events occurring between the initial and most recent entitlement may be censored).