Impact of Federal Policies on an Aging Workforce with Disabilities

June 14, 2012

Assesses the potential impact of current federal policy on work incentives for adults with disabilities in their sixties and late fifties, focusing on Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).

Assesses the potential impact of current federal policy on work incentives for adults with disabilities in their sixties and late fifties, focusing on Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). Describes SSDI's key provisions and work incentives, comparing them to those in other disability programs, and showing how they affect work decisions by older adults with disabilities. Also examines other federal policies and programs affecting older workers regardless of disability, including Social Security retirement, Medicare, and rules regarding phased retirement. Highlights federal policies that discourage work at older ages, and offers policy recommendations that would remove obstacles to work for adults with disabilities.