DEMONSTRATION PROJECTS UPDATE
Accelerated Benefits
Benefit Offset National Demonstration (BOND)
Youth Transition Demonstration (YTD)
Current Events
Accelerated Benefits
The Accelerated Benefits Demonstration project provides immediate health benefits and employment supports to certain newly entitled Social Security Disability (SSDI) beneficiaries. Under current law, most SSDI beneficiaries must wait 24 months after cash benefits begin before they become eligible for Medicare. So, many beneficiaries have no health insurance and limited access to medical care during a period of time when access to those resources might help improve their medical condition. By accelerating benefits and receiving treatment earlier, beneficiaries may improve their ability to remain at work or the probability of returning to work. This project ended in January 2011 and the final report is posted at www.ssa.gov/disabilityresearch/accelerated.htm.
Top of Page
Benefit Offset National Demonstration (BOND)
BOND tests a $1 reduction in benefits for every $2 in earnings over Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) levels, in combination with benefits counseling, with the goal of helping beneficiaries with disabilities return-to-work. The demonstration allows beneficiaries to face this gradual reduction in their benefits, eliminating the abrupt loss of cash benefits. We began a pilot of BOND in January 2011 and full implementation began in late April 2011. A final report is due in 2017.
Top of Page
Youth Transition Demonstration (YTD)
We designed the Youth Transition Demonstration project to further the goal of increasing employment of persons with disabilities. The YTD focuses on youths ages 14-25 who receive SSI, SSDI, or childhood disability benefits, or who are at heightened risk of becoming eligible for such benefits. YTD sites develop service delivery systems and partnerships with Federal, State, and local entities to assist youth with disabilities to successfully transition from school, which may include post-secondary education, to employment and economic self-sufficiency. Currently SSA funds the three-second phase project sites in Maryland, Florida, and West Virginia. Three projects from the first phase of the YTD have completed their YTD services. The 12-month impact reports for those sites can be found at http://www.socialsecurity.gov/disabilityresearch/interimreports.html . The final three projects from the second phase will complete services in December 2011.
Top of Page
Current Events
To keep up with the latest developments and get information about local contacts, visit our Internet website at: www.socialsecurity.gov/disabilityresearch. This site provides information on major activities such as our demonstration projects work incentive policies, and other relevant resources. You can also sign up to get e-mail notices when we post updates.
Top of Page
|
www.socialsecurity.gov
Red Book Home
