Evaluation of the Ticket to Work Program Initial Evaluation Report

118
Furthermore, the Commissioner must implement the necessary adjusted payment rates
before full implementation of the TTW program, which is to occur by October 2004. 1
The AOI analysis will draw on all aspects of the TTW evaluation to address the
following topics and questions:
! Process. How do the structure and operations of TTW affect access to TTWfinanced
services for the four AOI groups? In particular, to what extent are
participating ENs capable of serving AOI groups, to what extent do they adopt
beneficiary screening procedures that would likely exclude many in the AOI
groups, and are beneficiaries in the AOI groups effectively informed of their
options?
! AOI Group Characteristics. What are the characteristics of the AOI groups,
particularly those that might influence an EN’s willingness to accept a Ticket
assignment from them? How do the characteristics of the AOI groups compare
with those of beneficiaries outside the AOI groups?
! Relative TTW Experience. Does the rate of Ticket assignment, ultimate work
success, long-term benefit receipt, and other aspects of the AOI groups’
experiences with TTW differ from those of other beneficiaries?
! Relative TTW Effect. Does the extent to which TTW changes beneficiary
outcomes differ between members of the AOI groups and other beneficiaries?
If so, do clear factors account for the differential effects?
At this early stage of the evaluation, we can already see ways in which some beneficiaries
may be excluded from full participation in the TTW program. In particular, the fact that
many of the most experienced providers are losing money on their TTW activities suggests
that the current system provides little incentive to serve job-ready beneficiaries, let alone
those who need ongoing supports or high-cost job accommodations. In addition,
considerable anecdotal evidence indicates that many ENs are using screening criteria that
exclude beneficiaries who are interested in receiving partial benefits while they work.
1 Several efforts have been completed or are underway that relate to the AOI issue.
First, the Ticket to Work and Work Incentive Advisory Panel (2002) issued a report that
made several recommendations concerning how AOI issues could be studied. Second, SSA
sponsored an Adequacy of Incentives Advisory Group through the Disability Research
Institute, which recently released a report containing several recommendations for changing
the TTW program to deal more effectively with AOI groups (AOI Advisory Group 2003).
Third, SSA sponsored a technical workshop on the AOI issue that resulted in the
development of a book addressing topics such as the context for assessing AOI issues and
lessons from other programs (Rupp and Bell 2003). As the TTW evaluation proceeds, we
will consider the work of these and other groups in addressing the AOI issue.
VI: Adequacy of Incentives Study