Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC)

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Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission

Transitional Aid to Families with Dependent Children (TAFDC)

Emergency Aid to the Elderly, Disabled and Children (EAEDC)

Vocational Rehabilitation Service & Employment Study

Open & Closed Cases

September, 2005
TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction...........................................................................................................................3

Transitional Aid to Families with Dependent Children Summary (TAFDC) FFY 2004 ..4

TAFDC Executive Summary ...............................................................................4

TAFDC Summary ...................................................................................................4
Eligible for Vocational Rehabilitation (TAFDC Beneficiaries) .............................4
Closed Cases Vocational Rehabilitation (TAFDC Beneficiaries) ..........................5
Job Placements Vocational Rehabilitation (TAFDC Beneficiaries) .......................6

TAFDC Executive Fact Sheet FFY 2004 ............................................................7

Eligible for Vocational Rehabilitation (TAFDC Beneficiaries) .............................7
Closed Cases Vocational Rehabilitation (TAFDC Beneficiaries) ..........................7
Job Placements Vocational Rehabilitation (TAFDC Beneficiaries) .......................7

Emergency Aid to the Elderly, Disabled and Children Summary (EAEDC) FFY2004 ...8

EAEDC Executive Summary ..............................................................................8

EAEDC Summary...................................................................................................8
Eligible for Vocational Rehabilitation (EAEDC Beneficiaries) .............................9
Closed Cases Vocational Rehabilitation (EAEDC Beneficiaries) ..........................9
Job Placements Vocational Rehabilitation (EAEDC Beneficiaries) ......................10

EAEDC Executive Fact Sheet FFY2004 .............................................................11

Eligible for Vocational Rehabilitation (EAEDC Beneficiaries) .............................11
Closed Cases Vocational Rehabilitation (EAEDC Beneficiaries) ..........................11
Job Placements Vocational Rehabilitation (EAEDC Beneficiaries) ......................12

Summary: ...............................................................................................................13

Status Flow Chart of VR Cases for Consumers
Receiving TAFDC/EAEDC ...........................................................................15

2
Introduction

This report describes the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission’s (MRC) experience in Federal
Fiscal Year 2004 with two groups of beneficiaries receiving public assistance. Both groups represent a
small sub-set of the total population.

 Transitional Aid to Families with Dependent Children (TAFDC)
 Emergency Aid to the Elderly, Disabled and Children (EAEDC).

The first, TAFDC, provides time limited cash benefits to certain families with dependent children and
pregnant women in the last stages of pregnancy as long as they meet certain asset, income and residency
requirements. The second program, EAEDC, provides cash benefits to individuals who have work
disabilities, are waiting for SSI eligibility, are consumers of the MRC, or are caring for a dependent
child or elderly person who might otherwise need nursing home care.

The purpose of this report is to evaluate and describe in FFY’04 the characteristics and outcomes of
TAFDC and EAEDC beneficiaries who were also participants in the MRC Vocational Rehabilitation
Program. This report groups the information into Vocational Rehabilitation eligibility, case closure, and
employment placement categories. MRC utilized this method we can see the flow of new cases entering
the Vocational Rehabilitation system at eligibility, the number of cases successfully closed as a result of
a placement into competitive employment, as well as the number of cases closed for other reasons.

3
Transitional Aid to Families with Dependent Children (TAFDC) FFY 2004
Executive Summary

TAFDC Summary

A total of 318 TAFDC consumers applied for services and 264 became eligible for MRC Vocational
Rehabilitation Services in FFY’04. The majority of TAFDC consumers that became eligible for VR
services were women representing 174 (66%) of the eligible group. The average age of TAFDC
consumers eligible for VR services is 37 years old. A total of 129 TAFDC consumers eligible for VR
services reported a psychiatric disability representing 49% of the group. Each person reporting a
psychiatric disability has a psychological report or documentation to support this classification.

A total of 202 TAFDC/VR consumers had their cases closed in FFY’04. The majority of these
consumers or 164 (81%) were female and their average age 32. There were 25 individuals who secured
competitive employment, representing 12% of the group. They worked an average of 25 hours a week
and earned an average hourly wage of $10.16 in comparison to the $11.66 average wage of a Vocational
Rehabilitation consumer placed into employment. There were a total of 23 (92%) of the consumers who
became employed cited their primary disability as psychiatric. The average placement cost or closure
cost for TAFDC/VR consumers was $2,598.00 in comparison to the $3,281.00 closure cost of a
Vocational Rehabilitation consumer placed into employment. While a total of 100% of these
TAFDC/VR consumers placed in employment are eligible for health insurance, 80% reported having
health insurance benefits in contrast to 84% of the number of employed VR consumers that have health
insurance. A total of 10 or 40% were placed into clerical jobs. A total of 9 or 36% were placed into
retail service jobs and 6 or 24% were placed in food service jobs.

The following section of the TAFDC Summary describes the FFY’ 04 characteristics and outcomes of
TAFDC beneficiaries grouped by Vocational Rehabilitation Eligibility, Case Closure, and Job
Placement categories.

Eligible for Vocational Rehabilitation (TAFDC Beneficiaries)

This part of the Summary will focus on TAFDC consumers who became eligible for Vocational
Rehabilitation Services (Status 10). A total of 264 TAFDC consumers became eligible for the MRC
Vocational Rehabilitation Program during Federal Fiscal Year 2004 (FFY’04). The average age of the
TAFDC consumer determined eligible for the Vocational Rehabilitation Program (Status 10) was 37

4
years old. A total of 174 females (66%) and 90 males (34%) who reported receiving TAFDC became
eligible to receive Public Vocational Rehabilitation Services during FFY’04.

Among TAFDC consumers who became eligible for VR services, a total of 145 consumers or 55%
indicated they were White. Forty-eight or 18% were African American and 42 or 16% were Hispanic. A
total of 2 individuals or 1% reported that they were Asian. A number of consumers identified
themselves as other or Multi-Racial representing a total of 27 individuals or 10% of the group.

The largest group of TAFDC/VR eligible consumers reported their primary disability as psychiatric,
representing a total of 129 individuals or 49%. The next largest group of TAFDC/VR eligible consumers
(73 or 28%) reported their disability as cognitive or mental retardation. Orthopedic/neurological
disabilities represented a total of 32 consumers or 12%. A total of 5 or 2% of the consumers reported a
hearing or communication disability. Less than 1% reports a visual disability and 8% reported other as
their primary disability.

The total reported TAFDC benefit was approximately $108,881 for all TAFDC/VR eligible consumers
(264). The average reported individual TAFDC benefit was $412.43 per month at the time of MRC
eligibility.

Closed Cases Vocational Rehabilitation (TAFDC Beneficiaries)

This section of the Summary will evaluate all of the TAFDC/VR cases that were closed during FFY’04.
MRC closed a total of 202 TAFDC/VR consumer cases during FFY’04. Thirty-two or 16% of TAFDC
consumers applied but did not become eligible for VR Services (Status 08). Some consumers, in Status
30, were found eligible, but left and had their cases closed before services began (76 or 38%). A total of
69 consumers or 34% of the cases were considered closed unsuccessfully in (Status 28). On the other
hand, 25 or 12% of the TAFDC/VR consumers had their cases closed as a result of being successfully
employed.

There were more female (164 or 81%) than male (38 or 19%) consumers in the closed case group. The
average age of a TAFDC/VR consumer who had a case closed was 32 years old.

More White TAFDC/VR consumers (121 or 60%) had their cases closed in FFY’04 as compared to 37
or 18% of the African Americans, and 44 or 22% of the Hispanics.

5
The largest group of TAFDC/VR consumers with closed cases in FFY’04 reported their primary
disability as psychiatric, representing a total of 83 consumers or 41%. A total of 38 or 19% reported
substance abuse as their primary disability, 23 or 11% reported orthopedic problems, 22 or 11% reported
learning disabilities or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and 4% or 8 cited mental retardation as
their primary disability. The remainder was classified as other disabilities.

The total reported TAFDC benefit was approximately $87,042 for these consumers at case closure. The
average reported individual TAFDC cash benefit was $431 per month at time of closure.

Job Placements Vocational Rehabilitation (TAFDC Beneficiaries)

This section of the summary will focus on TAFDC/VR cases that were closed successfully in
employment (Status 26). A total of 25 or 12% TAFDC/VR consumers were closed out as being
successfully employed in FFY’04. Females were more likely to be closed out successfully in
employment than males due to the high percentage of females being served. A total of 24 females were
employed representing 96% of the successful placements (Status 26). One male (4%) was placed
successfully in employment.

The majority of the employed TAFDC/VR consumers (23 or 92%) reported having a psychiatric
disability. TAFDC/VR consumers successfully closed in an employment status averaged 25 hours a
week at work earning $10.16 per hour in contrast to the $11.66 per hour that the average VR consumer
earns. A total of 20 (80%) of these TAFDC/VR consumers placed in employment reported having
health insurance benefits. A total of 10 TAFDC/VR consumers or 40% were placed into clerical jobs. A
total of 9 or 36% were placed into retail service jobs and 6 or 24% were placed in food service jobs.

6
Transitional Aid to Families with Dependent Children (TAFDC) FFY 2004
Executive Fact Sheet

Eligible for Vocational Rehabilitation (TAFDC Beneficiaries)
o A total of 318 TAFDC consumer applied for VR services in FFY’ 04
o A total of 264 TAFDC consumers were determined eligible for VR services in FFY’04.
o The majority or 174 (66%) of eligible consumers for VR services were female.
o The average age of eligible consumers for VR services was 37 years old.
o Whites comprised 145 consumers (55%) in this group.
o African Americans comprised a total of 48 (18%) of this group.
o Hispanics comprised 42 (16%) of this group.
o A total of 129 (49%) eligible consumers for VR services reported a psychiatric disability.
o A total of 73 (28%) TAFDC consumers eligible for VR services reported cognitive or mental
retardation as their primary disability.
o The average reported TAFDC benefit at eligibility for VR services was $412.43.

Closed Cases Vocational Rehabilitation (TAFDC Beneficiaries)
o A total of 202 TAFDC/VR cases were closed in FFY’04.
o 16% or 32 of these consumers were determined not eligible for VR services (Status 08).
o 38% or 76 of these consumers were closed prior to starting their VR services (Status 30).
o 81% or 164 of these consumers were female.
o The average age of TAFDC/VR consumers with closed cases was 32.
o 41% or 83 of TAFDC/VR consumers with closed cases reported a psychiatric disability.

Job Placements Vocational Rehabilitation (TAFDC Beneficiaries)
o A total of 25 TAFDC/VR consumers were successfully placed in employment in FFY’04.
o Of these, 96% or 24 were female.
o 72% or 18 were White.
o 12% or 3 were African American.
o 92% or 23 who became employed reported a psychiatric disability.
o The average hourly wage of employed TAFDC/VR consumers was $10.16 per hour.
o The average hours worked per week was 25.
o The average VR service/placement cost employed (Status 26) was $2,598.
o A total of 20 (80%) reported having health insurance.
o A total of 10 or 40% were placed in clerical jobs.
o A total of 9 or 36% were placed in retail service jobs.
7
o A total of 6 or 24%were placed in food service jobs.

Emergency Aid to the Elderly, Disabled and Children (EAEDC) FFY2004
Executive Summary

EAEDC Summary

A total of 409 EAEDC consumers applied for services for VR services and 403 EAEDC consumers
became eligible for MRC Vocational Rehabilitation Services in FFY’04. Males and females were
almost equally represented among EAEDC consumers at eligibility with 206 (51%) being female and
197 (49%) male. The average age of EAEDC consumers eligible for VR services is 39 years old. A
total of 297 EAEDC consumers eligible for VR services reported a psychiatric disability representing
74% of the group.

A total of 395 EAEDC/VR cases were closed in FFY’04. The slight majority of these cases or 127
(32%) were male and the average age of the closed case group was 37. A total of 171 (43%) of the
closed cases cited a psychiatric or substance abuse disability as their primary disability. A total of 56
individuals secured competitive employment representing 14% of the group. They worked an average of
30 hours a week and earned an average hourly wage of $10.56 in comparison to the $11.66 average
hourly wage of a Vocational Rehabilitation consumer placed into employment. A total of 46 or 82%
reporting having health insurance in contrast to 84% of the number of employed VR consumers who
reported having health insurance. A total of 22 or 39% were placed packaging and material handling
jobs and 23% or 3 were employed in clerical jobs. Eleven or 20% were placed in production clerk jobs.
A total of 5 or 9% of were placed in food service jobs and 5 were placed into computer and account
recording jobs.

The following section of the EAEDC Summary is a description of the FFY’04 characteristics and
outcomes of EAEDC beneficiaries grouped by Vocational Rehabilitation Eligibility, Case Closure, and
Job Placement categories.

8
Eligible for Vocational Rehabilitation (EAEDC Beneficiaries)

A total of 409 EAEDC consumers applied for VR services and 403 EAEDC consumers became eligible
for Vocational Rehabilitation Services (Status 10) during Federal Fiscal Year 2004 (FFY’04). The
average age of the EAEDC consumer determined eligible for the Vocational Rehabilitation Program
(Status 10) was 39 years old. A total of 206 females (51%) and 197 males (49%) who reported
receiving EAEDC became eligible to receive public Vocational Rehabilitation services during FFY’04.

More White EAEDC consumers became eligible for VR services representing a total of 250 people or
62% of this population. A total of 45 EAEDC consumers were African American representing 11%, and
56 or 14% were Hispanic. The remaining 52 or 13% represent other.

A total of 297 (74%) EAEDC consumers eligible for VR services reported psychiatric disability as their
primary disability. The next largest group of EAEDC/VR eligible consumers reported their disability as
cognitive/mental retardation or orthopedic/neurological and totaling 30 individuals in each group or
22%. The remaining 16 or (4%) represented the Other category.

The total reported EAEDC benefit was approximately $121,010 for 403 EAEDC/VR eligible
consumers. The average estimated individual EAEDC benefit was $300.12 at time of MRC eligibility.

Closed Cases Vocational Rehabilitation (EAEDC Beneficiaries)

This section of the Summary will evaluate all of the EAEDC/VR cases that were closed during FFY’04.
MRC closed a total of 395 EAEDC/VR consumer cases during FFY’04. A total of 75 or 19% of
EAEDC consumers did not become eligible for VR Services (Status 08). Some EAEDC/VR eligible
consumers, representing a total of 174 individuals or 44% of the closed case group, left before they
began to receive VR services and had their cases closed (Status 30). A total of 90 individuals or 23% of
the cases were considered closed unsuccessfully in (Status 28). A total of 56 EAEDC/VR consumers
had their cases closed as a result of being successfully employed representing 14% of the closed
EAEDC/VR cases in FFY’04.

A total of 127 or 32% of the EAEDC/VR consumers who closed their cases during FFY’04 were male
and 268 or 68% were female. The average age of an EAEDC/VR consumer who had a case closed was

9
37 years. A total of 202 white consumers or 51% of the group had their cases closed in FFY’04. A total
of 8% or 32 were African American. Hispanic EAEDC/VR consumers with closed cases represented 31
or 8% of the closed case group. A total of 130 or 33% represented the other or mixed group.

The largest group of EAEDC/VR consumers with closed cases in FFY’04 reported their primary
disability as psychiatric, representing 91 or 23% of the closed EAEDC/VR cases, followed by substance
abuse disabilities representing 80 or 20%. A total of 32 or 8% reported their primary disability at
closure as orthopedic. The remaining 192 or 49% are scattered among the other groups.

The average reported public benefit is approximately $335.61 per month for EAEDC/VR consumers at
closure.

Job Placements Vocational Rehabilitation (EAEDC Beneficiaries)

This section of the Summary will focus on EAEDC/VR cases that were closed successfully in
employment (Status 26). A total of 56 or (14%) EAEDC/VR consumers were closed out as being
successfully employed in FFY’04. Males were only slightly more likely to be closed out successfully in
employment than females 29 (52%) vs. 27 (48%).

The majority of consumers reported having a psychological disability as their primary disability,
representing 10 (18%) of the closed and employed EAEDC/VR cases. A total of 8 (14%) reported a
primary substance abuse disability when their cases were closed in an employment status. Orthopedic
disabilities were reported as a primary disability in 9 (16%) of the cases closed successfully in an
employment status. A total of 29 (52%) consumers placed in employment identified their primary
disability as Other.

EAEDC/VR consumers successfully closed in an employment status averaged 30 hours a week at work
earning $10.56 per hour in comparison to the $11.66 per hour wage of the average VR consumer
employed in competitive employment. A total of 46 or 82% reporting having health insurance in
contrast to 84% of the number of employed VR consumers that have health insurance. A total of 22 or
39% were placed packaging and material handling jobs and 23% or 13 were employed in clerical jobs.
Eleven or 20% were placed in production clerk jobs. A total of 5 or 9% of were placed in food service
jobs and 5 or 9% were placed into computer and account recording jobs.

10
Emergency Aid to the Elderly, Disabled and Children (EAEDC) FFY’2004
Executive Fact Sheet

Eligible for Vocational Rehabilitation (EAEDC Beneficiaries)
o A total of 409 EAEDC consumers applied for VR services in FFY’ 04.
o A total of 403 EAEDC consumers were determined eligible for VR services in FFY’04.
o There was great parity by gender among recipients eligible for VR services; 206 (51%) were
female vs. 197 (49%) male.
o The average estimated EAEDC benefit upon eligibility for VR services was $300.
o The average age for EAEDC consumers eligible for VR services was 39 years old.
o Whites comprised 250 (62%) of EAEDC/VR eligible consumers.
o African Americans comprised 45 (11%) of EAEDC/VR eligible consumers.
o Hispanics comprised 56 (14%) of EAEDC/VR eligible consumers.
o Other and mixed racial groups comprised the remaining 52 (13%) of EAEDC/VR eligible
consumers.
o A total of 297 (74%) EAEDC consumers eligible for VR services reported a psychiatric
disability.
o The next largest group reported their disability as cognitive/mental retardation or
orthopedic/neurological and totaling 30 individuals in each group or 22%.

Closed Cases Vocational Rehabilitation (EAEDC Beneficiaries)
o A total of 395 EAEDC/VR cases were closed in FFY’04.
o Of these, 19% (75) were determined not eligible for VR services (Status 08).
o 44% (174) closed their cases prior to the start of VR services. (Status 30).
o 32% (127) were male.
o 68% (268) were female
o The average age of EAEDC/VR consumers at closure was 37.
o 23% (91) individuals whose cases were closed reported a psychiatric disability.
o 20% (80) individuals whose cases were closed reported a substance abuse disability.

Job Placements Vocational Rehabilitation (EAEDC Beneficiaries)

o A total of 14% or 56 EAEDC/VR consumers were successfully placed in employment out of 395
consumers receiving services.

11
o A total of 29 (52%) of employed consumers were male; 27 (48%) of the employed consumers
were female.
o 28 or 56% of employed consumers were White.
o 4 or 7% of employed consumers were African American.
o 10 or 18% of employed consumers reported a psychiatric disability.
o 8 or 14% of employed consumers reported a substance abuse disability.
o The average hourly wage of EAEDC/VR consumers was $10.56 per hour.
o EAEDC/VR consumers worked an average of 30 hours per week.
o A total of 46 or 82% reported having health insurance.
o A total of 22 or 39% were placed in packaging and materials handling jobs.
o A total of 13 or 23% were placed in clerical jobs.
o A total of 11or 20% were placed in production stock clerk jobs.
o A total of 5 or 9% were placed in food service jobs.
o A total of 5 or 9% were placed in computer and account recording jobs.

12
Summary:

The purpose of this report is to evaluate and describe in FFY’04 the characteristics and outcomes of
TAFDC and EAEDC beneficiaries who were also participants in the MRC Vocational Rehabilitation
Program. This report looks at the consumer referral flow and groups the information into Vocational
Rehabilitation eligibility, case closure, and employment placement categories. MRC utilized this method
we can see the flow of new cases entering the Vocational Rehabilitation system at eligibility, the number
of cases successfully closed as a result of a placement into competitive employment, as well as the
number of cases closed for other reasons.

A total of 318 TAFDC consumers applied for VR Services and 264 became eligible for MRC
Vocational Rehabilitation Services in FFY’04. The majority of TAFDC consumers that became eligible
for VR services were women representing 174 (66%) of the group. A total of 202 TAFDC/VR
consumers had their cases closed in FFY’04. The majority of these consumers or 164 (81%) were
female and their average age 32. There were 25 individuals who secured competitive employment,
representing 12% of the group. They worked an average of 25 hours a week and earned an average
hourly wage of $10.16 in comparison to the $11.66 average wage of a Vocational Rehabilitation
consumer placed into employment. A total of 20 or (80%) of these TAFDC/VR consumers placed in
employment reported having health insurance benefits in contrast to 84% of the number of employed
VR consumers who reported having health insurance. It should be noted that 100% of the TAFDC
population are eligible for Transitional Medicaid. A total of 10 or 40% were placed into clerical jobs. A
total of 9 or 36% were placed into retail service jobs and 6 or 24% were placed in food service jobs.

A total of 409 EAEDC consumers applied for VR services and 403 EAEDC consumers became eligible
for MRC Vocational Rehabilitation Services in FFY’04. Males and females were almost equally
represented among EAEDC consumers at eligibility with 206 (51%) being female and 197 (49%) male
MRC closed a total of 395 EAEDC/VR consumer cases during FFY’04. A total of 75 or 19% of
EAEDC consumers did not become eligible for VR Services (Status 08). Some EAEDC/VR eligible
consumers, representing a total of 174 individuals or 44% of the closed case group, left before they
began to receive VR services and had their cases closed (Status 30). A total of 90 individuals or 23% of
the cases were considered closed unsuccessfully in (Status 28). A total of 56 EAEDC/VR consumers
had their cases closed as a result of being successfully employed representing 14% of the closed
EAEDC/VR cases in FFY’04. A total of 56 individuals secured competitive employment representing
14% of the group. They worked an average of 30 hours a week and earned an average hourly wage of
$10.56 in comparison to the $11.66 average hourly wage of a Vocational Rehabilitation consumer
13
placed into employment. A total of 46 or 82% reporting having health insurance in contrast to 84% of
the number of employed VR consumers who reported having health insurance. A total of 22 or 39%
were placed packaging and material handling jobs and 23% or 3 were employed in clerical jobs. Eleven
or 20% were placed in production clerk jobs. A total of 5 or 9% of were placed in food service jobs and
5 were placed into computer and account recording jobs.

It is important to note the MRC only serves a subset of the entire TAFDC and EAEDC population and
MRC only serves people with the most severe disabilities who become eligible for vocational
rehabilitation services.

The Public Vocational Rehabilitation Program can provide an array of services to assist TAFDC and
EAEDC individuals with disabilities in their efforts to return to work and improve their standard of
living and quality of their life. Some of the Vocational Rehabilitation Services include:

 Vocational Counseling & Guidance
 Individualized Plan for Employment
 Case Management Services
 Comprehensive Vocational Evaluation
 On-The-Job Training Service (OJT)
 On-The-Job Evaluation Service (OJE)
 Education & Skills Training Programs
 Benefits Planning Services
 Job Placement Services
 Community Based Employment Services (Supported Employment)
 Assistive Technology Services
 Travel Training and Travel Planning Services
 Vehicle Modification Program
 Adaptive Housing Services
 Head Injury Services
 Independent Living Services

14
Status 08 Status 10 Status 26 Status 28 Status 30
Closed Closed
Unsuccessfully Unsuccessfully
Not Eligible Eligible VR Placed in Services Service Not
VR Services Services Employment Initiated Initiated
TAFDC 32 264 25 69 76
EAEDC 75 403 56 90 174

Status Flow of VR Cases for Consumers
Receiving TAFDC/EAEDC

450
400
350
300
250
200
150
100
50
0
Status 08 Status 10 Status 26 Status 28 Status 30
TAFDC 32 264 25 69 76
EAEDC 75 403 56 90 174

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