We are conducting ancillary research that uses the Benefit Offset National Demonstration data and data from other sources to provide policymakers with additional information on the potential effects of a change in the SSDI program rules that would allow beneficiaries to work and keep a portion of their benefits. The ancillary research falls within two themes. The first is research that will allow us to produce better estimates on the potential for induced entry into the SSDI program resulting from a change in the SSDI program rules. The second is research that will allow us to produce better estimates on the effect of changes in the structure of a benefit offset on costs and benefits of a new SSDI benefit offset policy.

A paper that describes the strengths and limitations of various research designs to estimate induced entry is available here.

A report that develops specific research designs to estimate induced entry is available here.

Occupational Information System Project

We need information about work that exists throughout the nation to determine whether claimants’ impairments prevent them from doing not only their past work, but any other work in the U.S. economy. We currently use the Dictionary of Occupational Titles (DOT) and its companion volume, the Selected Characteristics of Occupations, as our primary sources of information about jobs and job requirements. However, the Department of Labor last updated the DOT in 1991 and has no plans to conduct further updates. As a result, we are developing an occupational information system tailored specifically for our disability programs. For more information about the project, please visit here.

Organisation of Economic Co-Operation and Development (OECD)
Pathways to Transitions Project

The Social Security Administration (SSA) is currently providing funds to help support OECD’s five-year study on Pathways to Transitions for People with Disability into Tertiary Education and Work. The purpose of the Pathways project is to learn more about other developed countries’ special education programs and supports in order to identify best practices that facilitate successful outcomes for students with disabilities in transition from secondary education to tertiary education and work.

The five-year OECD Pathways project includes the preparation and analysis of participating country reports, a three-year longitudinal study, and case studies. In addition to the USA, the OECD countries that are participating in one or more phases of the Pathways project include: Norway, Denmark, Germany, Ireland, the Netherlands, the Czech Republic, Portugal, France, Estonia, and the Republic of Korea.

Information gained from this study will assist in preventing children with disabilities who are not currently on SSA’s rolls from eventually becoming beneficiaries once they reach adulthood, providing necessary supports, and identifying best practices to help transition youth with disabilities.

For more information on OECD's Youth Transition study, see OECD website at: OECD Pathways for disabled students to tertiary education and employment

Quick Disability Determinations (QDD) Predictive Model and the Fast-Track Processes

The Predictive Model (PM) is a computer-based screening tool used to identify potential electronic cases for the Quick Disability Determination (QDD) process.

The QDD process was implemented in the six States in the Boston Region (Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, & Vermont) effective August 2006. The QDD process was implemented nationally between October 2007 and February 2008.

View the final rule in the Federal Register.

For additional information on the QDD Predictive Model, see the QDD Predictive Model homepage . For additional information on the Fast-Track Processes, see the Fast-Track Processes homepage . For the Fast-Track Processes public use files, see the Public Use Files homepage .

TANF-SSI Disability Transition Project

Both welfare agencies and the federal disability system seek to support people with disabilities and help them become more independent. However, the two systems often have differing missions and organization, definitions of disability, operational and financial issues, and work rules and incentives, making it challenging for the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) programs to work together. TANF clients who apply for SSI may also confront conflicting messages from TANF agencies regarding work requirements and benefit eligibility.

To better understand the relationship between the TANF and SSI populations and programs, the Office of Program Development and Research and the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) launched the TANF-SSI Disability Transition Project (TSDTP) in October 2008. Working with ACF, TANF agencies in California, Florida, Michigan, Minnesota, and New York, select counties in these states, and the evaluation firm MDRC, we will analyze program data and pilot-test program interventions for TANF clients with disabilities. SSA, ACF, TANF agencies, and low-income individuals with disabilities and their families benefit from effective and efficient services — moving toward employment when possible, making informed decisions about applying for SSI, receiving SSI as quickly as possible, and reducing administrative costs. The project will conclude in September 2012 with our recommendations regarding a larger demonstration project on coordinating TANF and SSI.

For more information, see the ACF website at:
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/opre/welfare_employ/tanf_ssi/tanf_ssi_overview.html.


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