Social Security Disability Beneficiaries: Characteristics, Work Activity, And Use Of Services

We present findings from the 2004 National Beneficiary Survey (NBS), a nationally representative survey of Social Security disability beneficiaries conducted by Mathematica Policy Research for the Social Security Administration as part of the Ticket to Work program evaluation. The NBS data provide an overview of the health and sociodemographic characteristics of Social Security disability beneficiaries, and highlight their employment activity, work aspirations, and use of employment-related services. Although most beneficiaries have significant health problems that limit their ability to work, the NBS data suggest that there is potential demand for employment and employment-related services among Social Security disability beneficiaries. While only a small share of beneficiaries are employed or actively seeking employment, a rather substantial number have goals that include work and see themselves working in the future, and many have used employment-related services during the previous year. The NBS data also suggest, however, that even if beneficiaries have employment aspirations and attempt to work, many potential challenges to successful employment may need to be addressed. In addition to the activity limitations and poor health associated with their disabling conditions, most beneficiaries: have low levels of education that might limit their employment opportunities; are living at or near poverty, suggesting that they and their families may rely on public programs for which eligibility could be jeopardized by earnings; and many have experienced work-related obstacles such as a lack of reliable transportation, inaccessible workplaces, and discouragement from work either by others or through their own experiences.