Applying for General Disability Benefits Among Members with Disabilities in the Changing Kibbutz

The research discussed in this article examined differences in application rates for general disability benefits among 387 kibbutz members with disabilities in Israel. The authors also took into account critical changes in the ideology, social structure, and economy of the kibbutz. They hypothesized that significant differences would be found in application rates according to age, gender, and use of social support networks within and outside the kibbutz. Major study findings indicated that kibbutz members with disabilities above age 50 had lower application rates for disability benefits compared to those below age 50. No significant differences in application rates were found for gender, but individuals who lacked formal support tended to have greater application rates. The authors also interpret findings with respect to social policy and planning.