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Immigrant Networks And The Take-Up Of Disability Programs: Evidence From The United States

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  • Delia Furtado
  • Nikolaos Theodoropoulos

Abstract

type="main" xml:id="ecin12248-abs-0001"> We examine the role of ethnic networks in disability program take-up among working-age immigrants in the United States. Controlling for country of origin and area of residence fixed effects, immigrants residing amid a large number of co-ethnics are more likely to receive disability payments when their ethnic groups have higher take-up rates. Differences in satisfying the work history or income and asset requirements of the disability programs explain part of this relationship, but social norms also play an important role. Information sharing appears influential for Supplemental Security Income take-up but not for Social Security Disability Income. (JEL J61, H55, I18)

Suggested Citation

  • Delia Furtado & Nikolaos Theodoropoulos, 2016. "Immigrant Networks And The Take-Up Of Disability Programs: Evidence From The United States," Economic Inquiry, Western Economic Association International, vol. 54(1), pages 247-267, January.
  • Handle: RePEc:bla:ecinqu:v:54:y:2016:i:1:p:247-267
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    Cited by:

    1. Furtado, Delia & Papps, Kerry L. & Theodoropoulos, Nikolaos, 2022. "Who Goes on Disability when Times are Tough? The Role of Work Norms among Immigrants," European Economic Review, Elsevier, vol. 143(C).
    2. George J. Borjas & David J.G. Slusky, 2018. "Health, Employment, and Disability: Implications from the Undocumented Population," NBER Working Papers 24504, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.

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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • J61 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Mobility, Unemployment, Vacancies, and Immigrant Workers - - - Geographic Labor Mobility; Immigrant Workers
    • H55 - Public Economics - - National Government Expenditures and Related Policies - - - Social Security and Public Pensions
    • I18 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Government Policy; Regulation; Public Health

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