Benefits Highlights

Continuation of Benefit Payments to Certain Individuals Who Are Participating in a Program of Vocational Rehabilitation Services, Employment Services, or Other Support Services

In the June 24, 2005 Federal Register (Volume 70, Number 121), SSA published final rules that amend the rules for the continuation of disability benefit payments under titles II and XVI of the Social Security Act (the Act) to certain individuals who recover medically while participating in an appropriate vocational rehabilitation (VR) program with a State vocational rehabilitation agency.

SSA amended these rules to conform with statutory amendments that extend eligibility for these continued benefit payments to certain individuals who recover medically while participating in an appropriate program of services. These include individuals participating in the Ticket to Work and Self-Sufficiency Program or another program of vocational rehabilitation services, employment services, or other support services approved by the Commissioner of Social Security.

SSA is also extending eligibility for these continued benefit payments to students age 18 through 21 who recover medically, or whose disability is determined to have ended as a result of an age-18 redetermination, while participating in an individualized education program developed under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act with an appropriate provider of services. Providers of services SSA may approve include:

• a public or private organization with expertise in the delivery or coordination of vocational rehabilitation services, employment services, or other support services; or
• a public, private or parochial school that provides or coordinates a program of vocational rehabilitation services, employment services, or other support services carried out under an individualized program or plan.

These rules are effective July 25, 2005.