Disability Insurance and Economic Decline in Rural America

Many of the eight million people receiving benefits from the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) programs live in rural communities with high rates of program participation. Although there is a substantial literature on the labor market effects of these programs, less is known about the community impacts of concentrated disability. Sociologist Ryan Parsons will examine the impact of social security disability programs in rural communities with high rates of program participation. He will conduct case studies of Phillips County, Arkansas, and St. Helena Parish, Louisiana, for his study.