The impact of work incentives benefits counseling on employment outcomes of transition-age youth receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Work incentive benefits counseling has been shown to be a promising practice in vocational rehabilitation and has had a demonstrated impact on positive employment outcomes for adults with disabilities (Wilhelm McCormick 2013). OBJECTIVE: In this study, the Wisconsin Promoting the Readiness of Minors in Supplemental Security Income (PROMISE) demonstration project implemented a new model of work incentive benefits counseling targeting transition-age youth receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits including their families. METHODS: PROMISE youth and families received work incentive benefits counseling through a consultative approach and impact on employment outcomes were assessed. RESULTS: Preliminary results indicate that youth who received work incentives benefits counseling (N=535) had significantly higher work activity and explored a greater number of job opportunities, than youth who did not receive benefits counseling (N=476). Additionally, 81% of PROMISE treatment youth with earnings above the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) level had met with a benefits specialist at least once. CONCLUSION: This study contributes to the growing evidence demonstrating that work incentives benefits counseling positively influences employment and earnings outcomes for low-income transition-age youth with disabilities. Youth and families preferred the consultation approach, providing information as needed and meeting families where they were at.