The Social Security Subcommittee of the House Ways and Means Committee's Subcommittees on Social Security and Human Resources have scheduled a hearing for September 23 at 9:00 on Social Security's work incentives.
I wish they would take a serious look at ending Ticket to Work and dramatically simplifying the existing work incentives. I also wish they would be realistic about what can be achieved. Anyone who thinks that there is any possible policy that would cause a significant percent of Social Security disability recipients to return to work has no feel for who is receiving Social Security disability benefits.
4 comments:
I don't know what your knowledge is of the Ticket to Work program but it goes hand in hand with the work incentives. I agree that efforts to simplify the work incentives are necessary but they will not provide the assistance that the Ticket to Work does.
I've worked with hundreds of beneficiaries, many of whom have tried working. None of them received a bit of assistance from Ticket to Work - only a letter stating "Here's your Ticket." I still can't figure out exactly what it is that TtW supposedly does. Regarding other work "incentives," they aren't incentives unless beneficiaries know how they work, and unless SSA can explain the rules and exactly how they apply to a beneficiary's situation within the short visit they get at the window or on a telephone call to 1-800#. I agree- there needs to a dramatic change to work incentives, not layering of additional rules upon existing rules.
How are you "working with hundreds of beneficiaries?" Are you helping them receive benefits? If that is the case, you are not likely to focus on the Ticket Program. This program provides information, support and services to those who want to go back to work. If you are really interested in the program, check out http://www.chooseworkttw.net.
@10:46 - No, I don't work with applicants, I work with current and former beneficiaries and advise & represent them on post-entitlement issues and appeals. 2:28am.
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