A Study of the Social Security Work Incentives and Their Relation to Perceived Barriers to Work Among Persons With Psychiatric Disability.

Abstract

Objective: To study use and awareness of the Social Security Work Incentives (SSWIs) and to obtain empirical data on barriers to returning to work.\nStudy Design: Using parallel surveys and multiple sampling and recruitment strategies, the authors administered a brief survey about the SSWIs.\nParticipants: Persons with a psychiatric disability (n=539), service providers (n=120), and family members (n=174). Results: All groups registered the greatest concern about the loss of health insurance; this and other concerns were perceived as serious barriers to returning to work. There were differences in the perceptions of the 3 groups about the importance of disincentives to work and differences among consumers by demographic characteristics.\nConclusions: Consumers, family members, and providers of services need more information about the work incentives, particularly if the goals of the new Ticket to Work legislation are to be realized. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)