SSI Youth Employment Evidence Report
Objective
While many children experience difficulties transitioning to adulthood, children receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) confront additional challenges due to poor health and poverty. These challenges complicate their opportunities for future education and employment, often leading to poor educational and employment outcomes. The purpose of this project was to gather key research and identify the evidence and recommendations to design regulatory and policy changes to support employment for youth with disabilities. Specifically, the team conducted a comprehensive review of available literature, service provider practices, and published studies related to youth with disabilities.
Status
This project was completed in March 2020.
This study aimed to answer four research questions:
- What services and supports lead to employment for youth ages 14 to 25, including evidence among youth who receive or may receive SSI?
- What does research show that indicates work activity in adolescence leads to future employment among youth who receive or may receive SSI?
- Within the context of existing federal legislation and regulations applicable to youth ages 14 to 25, how does SSA fit in?
- What are recommendations for SSA’s consideration?
To answer Research Questions 1 and 2, the team conducted a four-pronged literature review. First, the research team included the original 24 sources provided by SSA. Second, they performed targeted searches to identify federally funded websites focused on youth with disabilities or youth who receive SSI. Third, they conducted a traditional literature review using a review protocol designed for the purpose of this report. Finally, they added research identified by their team of advisors.
Concurrently with the review of literature, the team reviewed federal legislation and regulations of interest to determine SSA’s current fit. This process allowed the team to answer Research Question 3. The results of the review of relevant legislation in addition to results gathered from the review of literature contributed to conclusions and recommendations for Research Question 4.
In general, the literature review shows there are limited studies with meaningful research showing direct causation between services and supports and employment. Some literature shows that youth with disabilities who receive services, especially more than one service, have higher employment outcomes. Large demonstration projects, such as Youth Transition Demonstration projects, Ticket to Work for youth ages 18 and up, Accelerated Benefits Demonstration, and Job Corps, have shown positive effects on employment, but the size of the effect often depends on the type of disability, type of service (vocational rehabilitation, supported employment post-secondary education) and measures or outcomes used to evaluate success. Other policy initiatives were also found to be associated with promoting paid work in adolescence for attaining successful future employment among youth with disabilities, including high school completion, economic conditions, transportation, social skills, family preferences, and SSI benefits.
In the final report, the team also provided recommendations for consideration to address most of the challenges and barriers identified during the literature review, such as modifications to the TTW program, suggestions for how SSA can better engage with employers, and specific ideas for future research.
Not applicable.