Although the legislative proposal provides the option for choosing either participation in the employment network or continuation under the current reimbursement system, there is no demonstration of the need for a new system. These figures demonstrate that the Public Vocational Rehabilitation Program is an open system. These beneficiaries are able to access our services and enter into employment. The problem is that they are not willing to risk the loss of cash and medical benefits by returning to work at the level of Substantial Gainful Activity. They choose to limit their hours, and continue to keep their cash and medical benefits.
Work becomes an adjunct to benefits, rather than a replacement.
We strongly believe that the Public Vocational Rehabilitation Program has much to offer in terms of history and experience supporting individuals with disabilities in their return to work efforts, and we would like to work with the Social Security Administration and members of Congress to build on this history. Based on our experience, we have made some recommendations for Social Security Disability Program reform. The Public Vocational Rehabilitation Program has been working with beneficiaries since the inception of the Social Security Disability Programs. We believe that choice of service providers, as well as choice in many other areas such as employment goal, objectives and measures of success, is afforded to each consumer in the Public Vocational Rehabilitation Program. We would like to stress, however, that the voucher system is an unnecessary step in reform.