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5 results

  • A Framework for Evaluating the Adequacy of Disability Benefit Programs and its Application to the U.S. Social Security Disability Programs

  • Zachary A. Morris
  • Journal:
    Journal of Social Policy / Volume 53 / Issue 4 / October 2024
    Published online by Cambridge University Press:
    11 January 2023, pp. 1016-1032
    Print publication:
    October 2024
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  • The degree to which disability benefit programs provide an adequate standard of living to those with work-limiting disabilities has long been overlooked in social policy research. This paper presents a framework for assessing disability-related decommodification and then applies that framework to an analysis of the Social Security Disability (SSD) programs in the United States. The paper draws on survey data from the Health and Retirement Study linked to administrative records from the Social Security Administration, and further compares the U.S. estimates to those from 27 other countries. The results indicate that more than 50 percent of older adults of working-age with work-disabilities in the U.S. do not receive SSD benefits, though rates of benefit receipt are higher than the average across other high-income countries. Those that receive SSD benefits, moreover, experience greater difficulty achieving an adequate standard of living, as measured by an index of financial security, than those with similar characteristics in the U.S. who do not receive disability benefits. The paper thus provides a framework for future policy research on benefit adequacy, while evaluating the availability and generosity of disability benefits in the U.S.

  • 10 - The Wispact Trusts: Making a Difference in a Means-Tested Support System

  • from Part III - Special Needs Trust
  • Edited by Lusina Ho, The University of Hong Kong, Rebecca Lee, The University of Hong Kong
  • Book:
    Special Needs Financial Planning
    Published online:
    28 June 2019
    Print publication:
    04 July 2019, pp 268-302

  • Summary

    Section I of this chapter provides basic background on Wisconsin’s versions of the major national public benefit programmes that, in large part, dictate the structure and function of the Wispact trusts, the form of distributions, and the level of control that can be given to beneficiaries. Section II provides basic information on the two Wispact trusts, and the division of responsibility between the entities that manage the trusts. Sectiont III provides a picture of the role played by US-SNTs in general, and the particular roles envisioned for the Wispact trusts by the people who worked to create them. Sections IV and V describe eligibility to be a Wispact beneficiary and the process for creation and funding of an individual account. Section VI describes Wispact’s distribution policies, respect for the voice of the beneficiary and methods for working within SSI and Medicaid income-counting rules. Section VII addresses Wispact’s efforts to make smaller accounts affordable, and the uses of Wispact’s charitable Retained Fund. Section VIII is a brief discussion of US income tax issues and expenses faced by Wispact accounts. Section IX contains comments of the author on the relevance of Wispact’s experience to a basic-support trust like the one being envisioned for Hong Kong, and on how Wispact does, or does not, promote the human rights of its beneficiaries.

  • Part III - Special Needs Trust

  • Edited by Lusina Ho, The University of Hong Kong, Rebecca Lee, The University of Hong Kong
  • Book:
    Special Needs Financial Planning
    Published online:
    28 June 2019
    Print publication:
    04 July 2019, pp 237-364

  • Summary

    This chapter evaluates the operation of Midwest Special Needs Trust (MSNT), an organisation created to establish and administer special needs trusts. A special needs trust is used as a fiduciary tool to serve persons with disabilities so that their assets do not affect the eligibility of means-tested social benefits. It starts with an account of the history of MSNT, and then examines the specific definitions and requirements of MSNT trust accounts, the roles and responsibilities of the Trustee and co-trustees, and the merits of MSNT. This chapter also considers important aspects of the administration of MSNT, such as the establishment and termination of trust accounts, staffing, fees and expenses, data management, and investment policy. Real-life cases are discussed throughout to show how MSNT helps to improve the quality of life of the disabled. This chapter concludes with thoughts on the future development of special needs trusts, including MSNT service enhancements and other financial tools, to assist the population with disabilities.

  • Food insecurity patterns before and after initial receipt of Supplemental Security Income

  • Rajan A Sonik, Susan L Parish, Monika Mitra
  • Journal:
    Public Health Nutrition / Volume 22 / Issue 10 / July 2019
    Published online by Cambridge University Press:
    27 March 2019, pp. 1909-1913
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  • Objective

    To assess patterns of food insecurity before and after initial receipt of Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits.

    Design

    We analysed data from a nationally representative sample. We estimated two difference-in-difference models comparing food insecurity patterns among eventual SSI recipients with patterns among eligible non-recipients during two time frames. The first model assessed changes in food insecurity immediately before SSI benefits were first received and the second model assessed changes in food insecurity after programme entry.

    Setting

    2008 panel of the Survey of Income and Program Participation.

    Participants

    Non-institutionalized population of the USA.

    Results

    The percentage of eventual SSI recipients experiencing food insecurity rose from 18 to 30 % in the year before programme entry, compared with a change from 17 to 18 % for eligible non-recipients. Adjusting for sociodemographic covariates, the difference-in-difference estimator for this comparison was statistically significant (P=0·01). Additionally, the percentage of recipients experiencing food insecurity fell from 28 % in the year before programme entry to 16 % in the year after entry, compared with a change from 16 to 17 % for eligible non-recipients. Adjusting for sociodemographic covariates, the difference-in-difference estimator for this comparison was marginally significant (P=0·07).

    Conclusions

    Food insecurity rises prior to SSI entry but may be alleviated by programme benefits. Greater nutritional supports for SSI applicants awaiting decisions may reduce the burden of food insecurity in this population and improve health outcomes.

  • Is participation in food and income assistance programmes associated with obesity in California adults? Results from a state-wide survey

  • Cindy W Leung, Eduardo Villamor
  • Journal:
    Public Health Nutrition / Volume 14 / Issue 4 / April 2011
    Published online by Cambridge University Press:
    12 August 2010, pp. 645-652
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  • Objective

    Public assistance programmes may increase risk of obesity among adults. The current study assessed whether participation in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP; formerly the Food Stamp Program), Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or California Work Opportunities and Responsibilities to Kids (CalWorks) was associated with obesity, independent of socio-economic status and food insecurity.

    Design

    A cross-sectional analysis of the 2007 Adult California Health Interview Survey. Outcome measures included BMI and obesity. Distribution of BMI and prevalence of obesity were compared by participation in each programme, using weighted linear and binomial regression models in which BMI or obesity was the outcome, respectively, and programme participation was the predictor.

    Setting

    A population survey of various health measures.

    Subjects

    Non-institutionalized adults (n 7741) whose household income was ≤130 % of the federal poverty level.

    Results

    The prevalence of obesity was 27·4 %. After adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics, food insecurity and participation in other programmes, the prevalence of obesity was 30 % higher in SNAP participants (95 % CI 6 %, 59 %; P = 0·01) than in non-participants. This association was more pronounced among men than women. SSI participation was related to an adjusted 50 % higher prevalence of obesity (95 % CI 27 %, 77 %; P < 0·0001) compared with no participation. SNAP and SSI participants also reported higher soda consumption than non-participants of any programme. CalWorks participation was not associated with obesity after multivariable adjustment.

    Conclusions

    Participation in SNAP or SSI was associated with obesity independent of food insecurity or socio-economic status. The suggestion that these associations may be mediated by dietary quality warrants further investigation among low-income populations.