We already know that due to differences in earnings over time and other factors, Social Security benefit amounts are lower for people of color than for White beneficiaries. However, we cannot understand the scope or cause of much of the racial disparities in the Social Security system, including in rates of denials, allowances, or other outcomes, until we have a more accurate and comprehensive snapshot of the racial and ethnic makeup of claimants and beneficiaries.
To fully understand and address racial disparities, the Social Security Administration must adopt a more widespread and consistent practice of collecting and reporting data on race and ethnicity. The Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD) and allies sent this letter to the Commissioner of Social Security in October 2020 to urge the SSA to collect and regularly report data about race and ethnicity within its programs.
