Disability as economic phenomenon: a first approach to estimate hidden unemployment among disability beneficiaries

INTRODUCTION. In many countries the number of people who withdraw from the labor market as a consequence of becoming entitled to disability benefits has grown very rapidly. In table 1 some key figures are shown for different countries. Although a direct comparison is difficult on account of differences in legal structure, eligibility criteria etc. of the disability programs, these figures indicate the relative importance of the volume and growth rate of disability recipients.