Information about the Youth Transition Exploration Demonstration (YTED)
The Social Security Administration (SSA) is conducting the Youth Transition Exploration Demonstration (YTED) in cooperation with Mathematica, the University of Maryland, and the Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR). YTED offers services to help youth achieve their career goals.
What is YTED? All youth who sign up for YTED will have access to standard OVR services to help them get a job and earn money. Some youth will receive focused alternative services with an emphasis on intensive job training programs.
Who is YTED for? YTED is for youth ages 16 to 24 who have a disability; live in Bucks, Chester, Delaware, or Montgomery Counties in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania or the City of Philadelphia; and have never signed an Individual Plan for Employment (IPE) with OVR.
What are the benefits of signing up for YTED? After you sign up for YTED, OVR will offer you services to help you get a job and earn money. About a year after you sign up for YTED, Mathematica will invite you to complete a survey. You will receive a total payment of $55 ($5 cash before completion and $50 gift card after completion) if you complete the survey.
Why did I receive a letter from SSA about YTED? SSA sent some people who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits a letter to let them know about YTED. You can sign up for YTED whether or not you received a letter as long as you meet the requirements described under “Who is TED for?” If you received a letter and are younger than age 18, please bring the letter with you when you meet with OVR.
How do I sign up?
If you meet the requirements under “Who is YTED for?” above and would like to learn more, ask questions, or sign up for YTED, call or visit an OVR office (see phone numbers and addresses below). Youth under age 18 require permission from a parent or guardian to sign up for YTED.
| OVR office | Who should call or visit this office? | Phone number | Address |
|---|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia Vocational Rehabilitation Services | If you live in Philadelphia and are not blind or visually impaired | 215-560-1900 | 801 Market Street, Suite 6034 Philadelphia, PA 19107 |
| Norristown Vocational Rehabilitation Services | If you live in Bucks, Chester, Delaware, or Montgomery County and are not blind or visually impaired | 484-250-4340 |
1875 New Hope Street, Norristown, PA 19401 |
| Philadelphia Blindness & Visual Services | If you are blind or visually impaired | 215-560-5700 |
801 Market Street, Suite 6034, Philadelphia, PA 19107 |