International Study on National Approaches to Funding Disability Benefits
By Tomas Lagerwall (sec_gen@rehab-international.org)

Disability benefits programs vary by country. Some countries pay benefits to persons who are temporarily or partially disabled, while others will pay only to persons who are totally and permanently disabled. In an effort to study different national disability benefits programs, Rutgers University, New Jersey, USA, along with RI will conduct a research project on how selected countries process and determine benefits to persons who are temporarily or partially disabled. The project, funded by US Social Security Administration, will be led by Professor Monroe Berkowitz, an expert in disability policy and a long-time RI associate.

The one-year study starts in August 2003 and currently includes eight countries, such as United Kingdom, The Netherlands, Germany, Norway, Sweden, Japan, and Australia. RI Member organizations in the countries concerned have been informed and will have a role in the study.

The project will be further presented in Durban during the RI African Regional Conference, October 1-3.