consequences

Consequences

Study by California Policy Research Center, University of California of the effects of SSI reforms in LA County California:

PL 104-121 had the potential of adversely affecting the health and living conditions of people with disabling substance dependence and of shifting the burden to counties.

Random sample of about 400 DAA beneficiaries in LA County between the ages of 21 and 60 drawn from Social Security Administration roll, interviewed five times- first time was six-months before program termination and four follow-ups at six-month intervals after effective date of policy change.

Two years after the policy change, only 42% of study participants had been reclassified on SSI under another disability category, the other 58% had their benefits terminated.

Another 27% of participants replaced lost SSI benefits with other forms of public assistance.

And 31% replaced lost benefits with other sources of support such as employment, criminal activity, and reliance on family and friends.

Of those whose lost benefits and did not receive public assistance, the percentage in jail or prison doubled from 11% at baseline to 27% two years after the policy change.

Hypothesis that discontinuation of DAA substance abuse treatment mandate and elimination of the representative payee requirement would lead to increase in substance abuse was not supported, despite the decline in participation in substance abuse treatment and self-help groups.

Mental and physical health status were either unchanged or improved over time among study participants.

Housing improved for those reclassified, but the percentage living in a place of their own decreased among those whose benefits were terminated.

Rates of homelessness did not increase.

Loss of benefits led to a lack of stable employment and decreased income.

Policy implication: the elimination of SSI DAA provision has increased the financial burden on state and local governments to care for the population that lost benefits.

INTRODUCTION	HISTORICAL PROBLEMS	LEGISLATIVE INITIATIVES	KEY FACTORS
IMPLEMENTATION	CONSEQUENCES	EVALUATION