Table 2 Disability Program Parameters Across Countries as of 2013

Summary of Benefits Program

Merged sickness program with a disability program which makes a strict distinction between fully and partially disabled. Those fully disabled receive guaranteed income until age 65 while partially disabled workers receive benefits conditional on work history and incapacity level determined by doctor

Merged sickness program with a disability system with disability benefits granted only to those deemed to have permanent reductions in work capacity

Merged sickness program with a disability program which makes a distinction between fully and partially disabled. Disability is determined by ability to work between 3 and 6 (partial), and less than 3 (full) hours per day. Coverage restricted to those who have paid social insurance contribution rates with benefit levels tied to past earnings

No mandatory sickness program. Only those fully and permanently disabled eligible for benefits. Coverage restricted to those who have paid social security taxes over their working lives with benefit levels tied to past earnings

Full or Partial Benefits Program

Program differentiates between full (IVA) and partial disability (WGA) and awards benefits accordingly (see above)

Workers may receive sickness benefits in the event of a sickness (with approval of a doctor), however disability insurance is only granted to those with a serious and permanent impairment that reduces work ability

Program differentiates between full and partial disability and awards benefits accordingly (see above). Coexisting employer mandate for businesses >19 employees: employ at least 5 % severely disabled or pay penalty

Disability program designed to be a last resort program for those with permanent and total disabilities

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet with designated doctor (either a company doctor or agency) who evaluate incapacity. Several evaluations are carried out by integration supervisors on a rolling timeline during the initial two year sickness period

Sickness benefits are awarded for first 14 days with a doctors approval and reevaluated along a rolling timeline with worker “check-ins”. Disability benefits are only awarded after the SIA determines work capacity is permanently reduced

Employer mandate guarantees 100 percent sick pay for first 6 weeks. Ongoing sickness is insured by statutory long-term sick pay – 80 % of gross wage – up to 78 weeks. Legal obligation for employer “workplace reintegration management” during long-term sickness since 2004. DI applicants must present diagnoses documenting inability to work at least 6 hours/day. Basic social insurance principle: “Rehabilitation before Pension.”

Full disability program requiring applicants to be unable to perform any substantial gainful activity for at least one year

Benefits Conditional on Contributions?

Yes. Benefits levels are conditional on past earnings, number of weeks worked before, and the percentage of earnings the worker is deemed capable of earning currently with impairment

There are two types of benefits awarded. A universally guaranteed pension provides assistance to all those residing in Sweden. The earnings related pension is contingent upon weeks of work and past earnings

Yes, 3 out of last 5 years of coverage necessary before onset of disability. Waiting period of 5 years

Yes, sufficient quarters of coverage necessary as defined described in Social Security Administration (2013b)

Other Income Programs for the Disabled

Means tested Social Assistance Program (SA) with benefit equal to minimum wage

Assistance Allowance, Car Allowance and other programs are designed to accommodate those who have severe, long-term disabilities meeting specific criteria

Specific income tax deductions, 2 years of earlier regular retirement, subsidized public transportation and other public services designed to accommodate those who are classified “severely handicapped” (disability degree at least 50 %)

Workers Comp and SSI and private disability insurance