At a Glance

Funder:

Social Security Administration

Project Time Frame:

2009-2011

Project Publications

Benefit Offset National Demonstration (BOND)

Administered by the U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA), Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is the nation’s primary income-replacement program for workers who can no longer do substantial work because of a disability. As part of the Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act of 1999, Congress asked SSA to implement and evaluate a demonstration that would examine a change to SSDI, incorporating a $1 for $2 benefit offset, called the Benefit Offset National Demonstration (BOND).

BOND is testing program variants for current SSDI beneficiaries in 10 locations around the country. Benefits are reduced gradually when a beneficiary has earnings exceeding a specific amount, instead of being cut to $0 (as under current law). Those who earn less than the specified amount receive the same benefit as under current law. One model is testing enhanced work incentives counseling, which combines benefits counseling and employment supports with the benefit offset.

Mathematica is providing implementation and evaluation support as a subcontractor to Abt Associates. Our implementation work includes training, processing of wage reports, site monitoring, and technical assistance. For the evaluation, we are developing a follow-up survey and participating in key evaluation reports related to process, participation, and impact findings. Mathematica is also leading the creation and processing of administrative data files and enhancing the benefit offset simulation model.

Publications

"BOND Implementation and Evaluation: BOND Stage 1 Early Assessment Report" (May 2012)
"BOND Implementation and Evaluation: BOND Final Design Report" (December 2010)
"BOND Implementation and Evaluation: Evaluation Analysis Plan" (March 2011)