Social Security: Little Success Achieved in Rehabilitating Disabled Beneficiaries
HRD-88-11
Published: Dec 07, 1987. Publicly Released: Jan 12, 1988.
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Highlights
In response to a congressional request, GAO reviewed the relationship between the Social Security Disability Insurance Program and state vocational rehabilitation programs to determine how to change the current program to rehabilitate larger numbers of disability applicants.
Recommendations
Matter for Congressional Consideration
| Matter | Status | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| The number of beneficiaries who return to work possibly could be increased through some changes in the benefits payment structure. If Congress wishes to explore this option, it could direct SSA to carry out a demonstration project that uses a sliding benefits scale as authorized by the Social Security Disability Amendments of 1980. | After discussions between Congress and the agency, the agency does not have the resources to ensure success to perform such a demonstration project. Under today's environment, it is doubtful this will change. |
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Topics
BeneficiariesDisability insuranceDisadvantaged personsEligibility criteriaFederal social security programsstate relationsRehabilitation programsSocial security benefitsState-administered programsVocational rehabilitation