RETAIN Demonstration Comparison of Enrollees and Other Populations

This technical report presents a comparative analysis of the characteristics of individuals enrolled in the Retaining Employment and Talent After Injury/Illness Network (RETAIN) demonstration against other worker populations, specifically those applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). The RETAIN initiative, a collaboration between the U.S. Department of Labor and the Social Security Administration, aims to assist workers with recent injuries and disabilities in maintaining their employment. The report outlines the demographic and socioeconomic differences between RETAIN enrollees and the comparison groups, noting that RETAIN participants generally had lower earnings than the overall worker population but higher than SSDI/SSI applicants. The analysis highlights significant variances in characteristics such as age, gender, race, and education, providing insights into the effectiveness of the RETAIN programs in reaching at-risk workers. The findings are intended to inform future interventions and policy decisions regarding disability support services.