The impact of a written benefits analysis by Utah benefit counseling/WIPA program on vocational rehabilitation outcomes

The Utah State Office of Rehabilitation's Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Program provides services to individuals with disabilities to assist them in preparing for and obtaining employment. One service available to Social Security Administration (SSA) beneficiaries is a written benefits analysis provided by a benefits counselor or certified work incentive counselor (CWIC) in the Work Incentives Planning and Assistance (WIPA) program. The written benefits analysis provided clients information on Social Security program rules and how employment earnings will impact their Social Security benefits as well as other public benefits they receive. The goal of the written analysis was to provide recipients with detailed information about the impact of increased earnings so they can make an informed choice about employment. Statistical analysis indicated that Utah Benefits Planning Assistance & Outreach Program (UBPAO) services are associated with improved earnings, employment outcomes and successful case closure status of VR clients. Multivariate analysis indicated a positive relationship between a written analysis and employment. Although, for those employed at least one quarter, a written analysis was not associated with an increase in their UI wages.