Researchers at Virginia Commonwealth University have developed decision support software, called WorkWORLD, for analyzing the financial effects of current and alternative "work incentive" policies on individuals who receive various disability and welfare benefits. Decision Technology Network (DTN), Inc. proposes: (1) to further develop Work WORLD as an individual counseling and decision-making tool based on current policies; {2) to continually update it; and (3) to offer it on-line. Offering the software on-line (rather than as a stand-alone desk-top application) will keep the software at a central location so that frequently changing policies and regulations can be more easily incorporated. Customers, therefore, will be assured of receiving accurate results. Work WORLD On-line (WOL) will allow users to access the program through the World Wide Web. Users will be able to input data about an individual's current benefit situation, and then ask "what-if' questions such as, "What will happen to the person's food stamps, housing supplement, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and net spendable income if he/she earns $850 per month? $1,200 per month? $1,800 per month? What will happen if he/she marries someone who receives SSI?" Hyperlinks will allow the user to find explanations for the results. DTN will test the technical feasibility by developing WOL for use in Virginia. During Phase II, other states will be added.
Anticipated Results/Potential Commercial Applications of Research::Individuals with disabilities, their advocates and advisors find themselves confronted daily with a convoluted collection of rules regarding benefit levels, work incentives, and earnings '`thresholds." The rules often interact with each other in seemingly unpredictable ways. If we can provide a way for people to predict with confidence the results of going to work and of using various work incentives, we will have removed a sign)ficant psychological and financial barrier to their employment. Vocational counselors who have seen the current WorkWORLD have clamored for a version they could use to help them counsel individuals. Vocational counseling organizations will gladly authorize their counselors to access this fee-based service once they learn of the capabilities of WOL.
