Work Incentive Counseling as a workplace support

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Kregel, John | O'Mara, Susan

Affiliations: Work Incentive Planning and Assistance National Training Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA

Note: [] Address for correspondence: John Kregel, Virginia Commonwealth University, Rehabilitation Research and Training Center, 1314 West Main Street, Box 842011, Richmond, VA 23284, USA. E-mail: jkregel@vcu.edu

Abstract: Many Social Security disability beneficiaries are employed and many more would like to enter or reenter the workforce. Among the self-reported obstacles to employment identified by beneficiaries are: (1) fear of losing benefits; (2) fear of losing health care coverage; and (3) unpredictable administration of available Social Security work incentives. Work Incentive Counseling is an employment support that can assist beneficiaries to overcome these obstacles and pursue their self-chosen employment and financial independence goals. Available data confirm that Work Incentive Counseling is a cost-effective support that improves the employment outcomes of Social Security disability beneficiaries.

Keywords: Work incentive counseling, employment support, social security disability benefits, obstacles to employment

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-2011-0555

Journal: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 35, no. 2, pp. 73-83, 2011