Benefit Offset Four-State Pilot
Objective
The Benefit Offset Pilot Demonstration tested a $1 reduction in Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits for every $2 in earnings in combination with employment supports, with the goal of helping beneficiaries with disabilities return to work. The projects provided beneficiaries with a gradual reduction in their benefits, eliminating the normal abrupt loss of cash benefits in the SSDI program when a beneficiary works and has earnings over a specific amount. Participants maintained ongoing eligibility for health care benefits and other supports linked to SSDI eligibility.
Status
Project ended December 2014.
Key Activities and Design
We awarded the contract for the implementation and evaluation in 2005. Enrollment in the BOPD began in August 2005. Participation was limited to beneficiaries who receive only SSDI benefits. The National Demonstration began in 2007 and all project activities were completed in December 2014. The 4 states that participated in BOPD were Connecticut, Utah, Vermont, and Wisconsin.
| State | Name of Project |
|---|---|
| Connecticut | Benefits Offset Project |
| Utah | Benefits Offset Project |
| Vermont | Vermont Work Incentives Initiative |
| Wisconsin | Pathways to Independence |
Reports
Final reports for the individual states are below.
Connecticut
Utah
Vermont
Wisconsin
Related Links
“Effects on beneficiary employment and earnings of a graduated $1-for-$2 benefit offset for Social Security Disability Insurance,” Journal of Rehabilitation, April-June 2011.
“The impact of changing financial work incentives on the earnings of Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) beneficiaries,” Journal of Policy Analysis and Management, vol. 30 no. 4, pp. 708-728.
“Supporting Work Effort of SSDI Beneficiaries: Implementation of Benefit Offset Pilot Demonstration,” Journal of Disability Policy Studies.