The relationship between the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) Program and vocational rehabilitation (VR) programs was reviewed. Focus was on the extent to which VR services are successful in returning SSDI beneficiaries to productive employment. The review was carried out in 10 states with widely varying practices in referring SSDI claimants to VR. These states accounted for nearly 40 percent of disability decisions made nationally in 1985. Only a small minority of disability beneficiaries--not more than 10-15 percent--were realistic prospects for rehabilitation and return to the work force. Generally, the disabled population was older and more severely disabled than other individuals with whom rehabilitation agencies work. Although about 12 percent of the disability beneficiaries were evaluated for rehabilitation services, only 1 percent left the rolls because of renewed work activity. Only about 3 in 1,000 beneficiaries left the benefit rolls after receiving services from a VR agency. Fears of losing disability cash benefits and Medicare coverage were reasons many beneficiaries chose not to participate in rehabilitation programs. A recommendation was that changes in the benefit payment structure could increase the number of beneficiaries who return to work. (Appendixes include instruments and data.) (YLB)