SSI and Work: The Great American Story

Abstract

. . . although much of the current debate surrounding SSI [Supplemental Security Income] discusses benefit levels or eligibility, this analysis focuses on the extent to which the program currently achieves the 1971 goal of facilitating employment and eliminating dependency for the mentally disabled. Commencing with policy background information, this paper demarcates the terms and standards for evaluating SSI legislation and then examines SSI history according to these criteria. Throughout this examination, it will become increasingly evident that SSI falls repeatedly short of its stated goal of self-sufficiency, primarily because mental illness is generally a lifelong disability and thus, total escape from dependency does not constitute a plausible aim. In light of this, new legislation should target effective participation, endeavoring to encourage work while diminishing, but not eliminating, dependency. [From introductory section]