Supplemental Security Income Outreach Evaluation - Listening Sessions
The Social Security Administration (SSA) hired Mathematica, a research company, to evaluate recent Supplemental Security Income (SSI) outreach initiatives, Third Party Assistance (TPA) and the Electronic SSA Protective Filing Tool (eSPF). Mathematica and its partners are inviting people with personal experience applying for SSI, their family members, and staff of organizations that support people applying to SSI to share their experiences applying for SSI by participating in virtual listening sessions in late 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is hosting the listening sessions?
Mathematica, the World Institute on Disability, and Shared Value Media are hosting the listening sessions. SSA hired Mathematica to evaluate recent SSI outreach initiatives. Mathematica is a research company with over 50 years of experience doing research for SSA and other government agencies. The World Institute on Disability was established in 1983 as one of the first global disability rights organizations founded and continually led by people with disabilities. Shared Value Media is an agency that specializes in coalition-led outreach and community engagement with a partner-centric approach.
What are the listening sessions?
The listening sessions are a chance for people with personal experience applying for SSI and their family members, service providers, and advocates to share their experiences with the SSI applicant process to help inform the evaluation design.
Participating in a listening session gives you an opportunity to provide feedback on the SSI application process in general way. It is a one-time commitment. If you decide to participate, you may attend a one-hour virtual listening session in late 2024.
Why should I participate in a listening session?
Only you can tell us what your experience has been like. Your feedback will help us design the evaluation of SSI outreach initiatives. We hope that the evaluation will help us understand the challenges of applying for SSI. To thank you for your time, Mathematica will send you a gift card for participating in a listening session.
How long will the listening sessions be?
Each listening session will be one hour.
What technology do I need to participate in a listening session or community panel?
We will use the online meeting platform, Microsoft Teams. To use all of its features, you will need internet access. You may also call in by phone and participate that way.
Can I request accommodations?
Yes. Please let us know if you require an American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter or other accommodations. Closed captions are available during the meetings as well. If you are not able to participate verbally, you can use the chat feature of the online meeting tool to share your thoughts.
Can I choose whether or not to participate in listening session?
Yes. Participating in a listening session is voluntary. You do not have to participate if you do not want to.
Will my information be kept private?
Yes. SSA and Mathematica will protect all information about you consistent with applicable Federal laws, regulations, and directives. SSA and Mathematica will not include any information that could identify you in public documents.
Will participating in a listening session affect my SSA benefits?
No. SSA defines the gift card you will receive for participating in a listening session as unearned income. If you receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), unearned income does not affect your benefits. If you receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI), the gift card will qualify for SSA’s Infrequent or Irregular Income Exclusion (POMS: SI 00810.410) and will therefore not affect your benefits.
Will there be more opportunities to participate in the evaluation of SSI outreach initiatives?
Yes. In future years, we will invite with people with personal experience applying for SSI, their family members, and staff of organizations that support people applying to SSI to share their experiences through qualitative interviews or other activities. Interviews will provide insights on whether the initiatives have been helpful to users and related parties. SSA will provide more information about these opportunities as they get closer.