Removing obstacles to employment and increased financial independence through improved choices: Making DI work better for beneficiaries

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Kregel, John^*

Affiliations: Work Incentives Planning and Assistance National Training Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, VA, USA

Correspondence: [*] Address for correspondence: John Kregel, Work Incentives Planning and Assistance National Training Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, 1314 W. Main Street, Richmond, VA 23284, USA. Tel.: +1 804 828 1872; [email protected]

Abstract: On July 9, 2015, Dr. John Kregel provided testimony to the U.S. House of Representatives Ways and Means Committee of addressing “Removing Obstacles to Employment and Increased Financial Independence through Improved Choices: Making DI Work Better for Beneficiaries.” The purpose of the hearing was to discuss promoting work opportunities for Social Security Disability Insurance beneficiaries. The panel was asked to address what modifications could be made to Social Security Disability Insurance to better assist beneficiaries obtain and maintain employment, improve financial independence, and decrease reliance on federal benefits. His testimony is provided in its entirety.

Keywords: Social Security Disability Insurance, SSDI, financial independence

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-150767

Journal: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 43, no. 3, pp. 173-181, 2015