News & Information

CCH® UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE — 5/28/15

SSA requests information on early intervention strategies for individuals with disabilities

The Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2015 (PubLNo 113-235), provided the SSA with money under Section 1110 of the Social Security Act to begin the design, development, and implementation of an early intervention demonstration to test innovative strategies aimed at helping people with disabilities remain in the workforce. The President's 2016 budget requested additional funds to support a complete demonstration project. In order to inform the development of that demonstration, the agency is requesting information and recommendations on targeted design features related to improving employment and earnings outcomes for people with disabilities, specifically individuals with mental impairments. The input the SSA receives will inform and complement ongoing interagency deliberations about the best use of funds for an initial demonstration project relevant to future policy discussions for the Social Security Disability Insurance (DI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) programs.

Key questions

The SSA is asking respondents to address the following questions, where possible, in the context of the discussion in the notice and request for information.

• (1) What early intervention programs or practices have shown promise at the state or local level to assist workers with mental health impairments to remain in the workforce?
• (2) In the context of this demonstration project, what programs and practices might be especially applicable to individuals who might qualify for DI or SSI benefits in the absence of interventions?
• (3) What are the outcomes of interest that an evaluation should capture?

Note that in addition to the major questions listed above, the SSA also has requested responses to a number of detailed questions. Respondents do not have to answer every question presented, but should focus on those for which they have relevant expertise.

Comments requested by June 8, 2015

Comments must be received by June 8, 2015. They may be submitted by any one of three methods: Internet, fax, or mail. Regardless of which method is choosen, please state that the comments refer to Docket No. SSA-2015-0023 so that the agency may associate them with the correct docket.

For further information

For further information, contact Susan Wilschke, Office of Retirement and Disability Policy, Social Security Administration, 6401 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, Maryland 21235-6401, (410) 966-8906.