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Abstract

Despite passage of the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, there still remain substantial impediments to the attainment of employment and a normalized lifestyle for persons with significant disabilities. The major income support programs (Social Security Disability Insurance [SSDI] and Supplemental Security Income [SSI]) and health care financing programs (Medicare and Medicaid) create major disincentives both at the time of application and while persons are receiving benefits. These disincentives discourage accepting employment or, if employment is accepted, will often discourage persons from exceeding a level of earnings that would end their eligibility for benefits. In addition, the SSI and Medicaid programs have other adverse effects such as discouraging saving, encouraging unwise spending habits, discouraging adults from naming children on SSI as heirs to their estates, and imposing financial penalties on beneficiaries who marry. There are many promising areas for additional research to seek ways to reform these programs so that they support the goals of the Americans With Disabilities Act.

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The ADA and Disability Benefits Policy

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