Work

Is supported employment effective for Disability Insurance recipients with mental health conditions? Evidence from a randomized experiment in Belgium

Year: 2024

Type: article

Study designs: Randomized Controlled Trial, Clinical Trial

Abstract: We conduct a randomized experiment (n = 600) to evaluate a Supported Employment (SE) program that, through intensive job coaching and follow-along support, aims to increase work activity of Belgian Disability Insurance (DI) recipients with mental health conditions. The control group gets regular vocational rehabilitation. After a 30-month follow-up period, we find that SE increases the probability of working while claiming DI by 7.5 percentage points and reduces the amount of DI benefit received by 110 euros per month (−9.5 percent). • Mental health conditions increase Disability Insurance claims in OECD countries. • A randomized experiment evaluates a Supported Employment (SE) program in Belgium. • SE program focuses on rapid job placement over vocational training. • SE participants had higher employment rates after 30 months. • SE program reduced reliance on Disability Insurance benefits.

Source: Journal of Health Economics

DOI: 10.1016/j.jhealeco.2024.102958

Authors: Sébastien Fontenay, Ilan Tojerow

Institutions: Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Universidad de Alcalá, Université Libre de Bruxelles, IZA - Institute of Labor Economics

Language: English

Topic: Disability Education and Employment

Subfield: Safety Research

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Decent work and economic growth, Good health and well-being, Reduced inequalities, No poverty

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,140