Evaluation of the Ticket to Work Program, Implementation ...

23Figure II.7.% of Eligible BeneficiariesTicket Participation Rates in Phase 1 States, by Use of Other WorkIncentives, March 200480.0%3.5%69.3%70.0%3.0%60.0%50.0%40.0%30.0%20.0%10.0%0.0%Title II & NotEPE0.4%Title II & EPE42.7%Title XVI andNot 16190.4% 0.3%Title XVI &1619aTitle XVI &1619b2.5%2.0%1.5%1.0%0.5%0.0%Participation Rate% of Eligible Beneficiaries (left scale) Participation Rate (right scale)Source: Ticket Research File.9. EducationThe analysis of the relationship between education and participation rates is new as ofthis report. We had correctly anticipated that participation rates would be positively relatedto education. However, as a beneficiary’s education often plays no direct role in theadministration of the disability programs, 14 the administrative data on education areincomplete; we found that education information was missing for 61 percent of eligiblebeneficiaries in Phase 1 states. But even so, we found a substantial positive relationshipbetween education and the participation rate for those with education data (Figure II.8).The statistics show that those with the highest participation rate have 13 to 15 years ofschooling (i.e., completed some post high school education but less than four years). Thedata also show, however, that only 12 percent of eligible beneficiaries with reportededucation are in this category.14 While education is a consideration at step five of the medical eligibility determination process (ability todo any other work), it is not relevant to eligibility for those allowed at a lower step, and does not play any otherrole in the administration of the program.II: Beneficiary Participation in Ticket to Work