Social Security Work Incentives: An Employers´ Guide to Benefits Planning and Management for Employees with Disabilities.

First Edition

Facts About Employing People with Disabilities

Experts predict that by 2010 the American economy will support 168 million new jobs, yet will only have 158 million workers to fill them. Add to this shortfall the increasing need for technology skills at all levels of the workforce and the millions of seasoned workers Baby Boomers that are reaching retirement age. It is expected that in the near future 60 percent of new jobs in the United States will require skills possessed by only 20 percent of the current workforce. Businesses can meet their staffing needs and increase their competitive advantage by employing people with disabilities.

Employer surveys show that workers with disabilities have lower turnover rates than their counterparts without disabilities. Industry reports consistently rate workers with disabilities as average or above average in performance, attendance and safety.

New changes in employment disability laws have made it possible for most people with disabilities to work more and retain their Medicaid coverage. Employers can better utilize their workers with disabilities and improve employment outcomes if they understand the different benefit programs that impact these employees. Many employers and persons with disabilities are unaware of these programs.