Projects

Ticket to Work Evaluation

2023 – 2027

Project Overview

Objective

To support Social Security Administration (SSA) efforts to better understand the range of experiences and outcomes of beneficiaries and providers who participate in the Ticket to Work programs, how effectively and efficiently the programs are operating, and recommendations on ways to improve the programs and promote service access.

Project Motivation

The goal of Ticket to Work is to help beneficiaries achieve their work goals and increase their financial independence. An efficient and effective Ticket to Work program may also achieve other SSA goals such as increasing beneficiaries’ earnings to reduce their benefits, ultimately allowing savings resulting from the program to offset program costs.

Prepared For

Social Security Administration

Mathematica is conducting an evaluation to help inform SSA’s pursuit of effective and efficient program administration.

SSA’s Ticket to Work programs seek to increase the availability of and access to employment services for adults with disabilities receiving Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income in order to increase their economic self-sufficiency and improve their quality of life. Previous research has found that Ticket to Work increased beneficiary enrollment in employment services. However, program awareness is generally low, participation and both availability and participation vary markedly across the country.

Mathematica is conducting a comprehensive evaluation of Ticket to Work. The evaluation includes analysis of existing administrative and survey data, new survey data collection, and interviews with program participants, service providers, and administrators. A central feature of evaluation activities throughout the project is engagement with community partners. We will work closely with a group of beneficiaries, service providers, and other community members to co-design and co-execute project activities and also seek broader input through listening sessions and a technical expert panel.

Related Staff

Jody Schimmel Hyde

Jody Schimmel Hyde

Senior Fellow, Deputy Director, Center for Studying Disability Policy

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Heather Gordon

Heather Gordon

Managing Consultant

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Sarah Croake

Sarah Croake

Senior Researcher

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Holly Matulewicz

Holly Matulewicz

Principal Survey Researcher

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Purvi Sevak

Purvi Sevak

Senior Director, Business Development

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Diane Beaver

Diane Beaver

Managing Consultant

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Marisa Shenk

Marisa Shenk

Researcher

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Gina Livermore

Gina Livermore

Senior Fellow; Director, Center for Studying Disability Policy

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