Article Details
| Citation: | Schlegelmilch, A.; Roskowski, M.; Anderson, C.; Hartman, E.; & Decker-Maurer, H. (2019). The impact of work incentives benefits counseling on employment outcomes of transition-age youth receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, 51 (2), 127-136. |
| Title: | The impact of work incentives benefits counseling on employment outcomes of transition-age youth receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits |
| Authors: | Schlegelmilch, A.; Roskowski, M.; Anderson, C.; Hartman, E.; & Decker-Maurer, H. |
| Year: | 2019 |
| Journal/Publication: | Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation |
| Publisher: | IOS Press |
| DOI: | https://doi.org/10.3233/JVR-191032 |
| Full text: | https://content.iospress.com/articles/journal-of-vocational-rehabil... |
| Peer-reviewed? | Yes |
| NIDILRR-funded? | Yes |
Structured 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). |
| Purpose: | 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. |
| Data collection and analysis: | PROMISE youth and families received work incentive benefits counseling through a consultative approach and impact on employment outcomes were assessed. |
| Findings: | 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. |
| Conclusions: | 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. |
| Disabilities served: |
Multiple disabilities |
| Populations served: |
Transition-age youth (14 - 24) SSI and SSDI recipients |
| Interventions: |
Benefits counseling Vocational rehabilitation Transition services |