Interventional Cooperative Agreement Program (ICAP)

Objective

The Interventional Cooperative Agreement Program (ICAP) allows SSA to enter into cooperative agreements to collaborate with states, foundations, and other non-federal groups and organizations who have the interest and ability to identify, operate, and evaluate interventional research related to the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) programs. ICAP is an ongoing program that will request new applications for award on a regular basis.

The research and interventions under this program will target:

• Eliminating the structural barriers for people with disabilities in the labor market, particularly for people of color and other underserved communities, that increase the likelihood of people receiving or applying for DI or SSI benefits;
• Increasing employment and self-sufficiency of individuals with disabilities, including people of color and underserved communities (whether beneficiaries, applicants, or potential applicants of the DI or SSI programs);
• Coordinating planning between private and public human services agencies to improve the administration and effectiveness of the DI, SSI, and related programs;
• Assisting claimants in underserved communities to apply for or appeal decisions on claims for DI and SSI benefits; and
• Conducting outreach to people with disabilities who are potentially eligible to receive SSI.

Status

SSA awarded the fourth round of ICAP to the Maryland Department of Disabilities. They will receive $4.5 million to perform the Assisting Children to SSI (ACTS) demonstration, which will evaluate whether increased levels of service, support, and assistance will result in greater SSI applications and awards. Please stay tuned for the next round of competition.