A study of the social security work incentives and their relation to perceived barriers to work among persons with psychiatric disability

Objective: To study use and awareness of the Social Security Work Incentives (SSWIs) and to obtain empirical data on barriers to returning to work. Study Design: Using parallel surveys and multiple sampling and recruitment strategies, the authors administered a brief survey about the SSWIs. Participants: Persons with a psychiatric disability (n = 539), service providers (n = 120), and family members In = 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. Conclusions: 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.