The Social Security Administration (SSA) collaborates with states, foundations, and other non-federal groups to identify, fund, and evaluate interventional research aimed at increasing employment and self-sufficiency among individuals with disabilities, including underserved communities. SSA's mission extends to improving the coordination and effectiveness of the Disability Insurance (DI), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and related programs, while supporting claimants in underserved communities.
The Interventional Cooperative Agreement Program (ICAP) is designed to increase employment and self-sufficiency among individuals with disabilities, focusing on people of color and underserved communities. It supports collaborative efforts between the SSA and various organizations to operate and evaluate interventional research. The program aims to enhance the coordination between private and public human services agencies, assist claimants in underserved communities with DI and SSI benefits applications and appeals, and conduct outreach to potentially eligible individuals. The projects funded through this program may last up to 5 years, with initial planning and partnership development occurring in the first year, followed by implementation and evaluation phases if initial milestones are met.