The 4-State Benefit Offset Pilot Demonstration (BOPD) consists of four statewide projects
that SSA is funding in Connecticut, Utah, Vermont, and Wisconsin. This pilot demonstration
will test the effects of reducing benefits for title II disability beneficiaries $1
for every $2 of earnings over the SGA amount (for both non-blind and blind beneficiaries)
during the extended period of eligibility (EPE). Full monthly benefits will continue
to be paid to auxiliaries during the offset period. The demonstration also will test
the effects of extending the duration of the EPE from the current 36 months to 72
months, and of altering rules that we use in determining countable earnings during
the EPE. In addition, the initiation of medical CDRs will be suspended for project
participants.
Field Office (FO) direct participation in this demonstration is limited. A centralized
unit in OCO has been established to administer payments issued under the BOPD. FO's
must be aware of how the BOPD offset is applied because overpayment development resulting
from BOPD payments will be routinely processed by FO's. See DI 60090.001C.5.
The overall goal of this pilot demonstration is to provide information that will be
used to develop a national benefit offset demonstration project to be conducted at
a larger number of sites. SSA is working with a contractor to develop the design of
this national demonstration, which is estimated to begin in 2007.
Enrollment in the BOPD began in August 2005. Participation is limited to beneficiaries
who receive only T2 disability benefits as number holders and, if the TWP has ended,
are within 71 months of the end of their trial work period (TWP) at the time of enrollment.
A description of the program rules that have been modified by waivers follows.