Factors associated with workforce participation among SSDI beneficiaries.

This study identifies factors associated with employment among current beneficiaries of Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) using publicly available data from the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS). According to the 2001 and 2002 NHIS, about 6.8% of working-age adults who reported receiving SSDI also reported working for pay the preceding week. Roughly two-thirds of this group worked fewer than 25 hours. Younger age, higher levels of education and income, and less severe health problems and disabilities were positively associated with workforce participation. The fact that a considerable number of SSDI beneficiaries are currently engaged in paid work suggests that work incentives like those contained in The Ticket-to-Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act (TWWIIA PL 106-170) could help return some beneficiaries to full employment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]