However, there is ample evidence that in many countries take-up of disability benefit is also related to labour market and early-retirement-related reasons (OECD, 2006, 2007b, 2008b and 2010d). The rapid increase in disability receipt of the 1990s cannot be linked to a similarly swift deterioration of the health status of Russians. The NOBUS survey suggests that the average age of receiving a disability pension is about 44 (Sinjavskaya, 2004), while Merkuryeva (2004) suggests that 50% of the individuals receiving disability benefits do not have worse health conditions than the rest of the population. In financial terms, the disability benefits are also attractive.