Social Security Research and Demonstration
Program Funding
Annual program obligations reported to SAM.gov.
Program Objective
(1) To conduct social, economic, and demographic research on topics important to the Social Security Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) programs and the current and future well-being of their beneficiaries; (2) to develop and carry out experiments and research demonstration projects to determine the efficacy of: (a) alternative ways of rehabilitating beneficiaries and encouraging their return to work; and (b) modifying conditions applicable to such beneficiaries including: (i) early referral for rehabilitation services; and (ii) greater use of employers and others in the rehabilitation and placement process.
Eligibility
Eligible Applicants
- For-Profit Organization
- Nonprofit Organization
- Tribal
- Territorial
- State
- Local
- Local Government Consortium
- County Government
- Municipality/Township Government
- Tribal Government (other)
- U.S. Territory Government
- Unrestricted by Entity Type
Applicants applying for grant funds may include research organizations, associations of research organizations, State and local governments, educational institutions, hospitals, public and private organizations, and nonprofit and profit organizations. Private individuals are not eligible to apply. Profit organizations may apply with the understanding that no grant funds may be paid as profit to grant recipients. Profit is considered any amount in excess of the allowable costs of the grant recipient. A profit organization is a corporation or other legal entity that is organized or operated for the profit or benefit of its shareholders or other owners and must be distinguishable or legally separable from that of an individual acting on his/her own behalf.
Beneficiaries
- Non-university Higher Education
- University Higher Education
- Graduate and Professional Higher Education
- Other
- State
- U.S. Federal Government
- U.S. State Government
State agencies, local governments, educational institutions, hospitals, nonprofit organizations, and profit organizations are eligible to apply for grant funding.
How to Apply
Award Procedure
Office of Acquisition and Grants provides a Notice of Grant Award (or a Notice of Cooperative Agreement Award) as official notice for approved applications. The notice indicates award amount, the purpose of the award, award terms and conditions, the budget period, the anticipated project period, and the grantee's cost-sharing requirement.
Generally, 3 to 6 months after the closing date established in the Grants.gov Notice of Funding Opportunity.
Program details & compliance
Description
Research information is disseminated to policymakers, stakeholders and the general public. We provide training and education to scholars and practitioners interested in various topics related to Social Security’s Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income programs, disability, rehabilitation and work.
Note: This program was terminated in February 2025, per Executive Order 14151, “Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs and Preferencing.” No funds were issued in FY 2025.
Mission Categories
Primary: Social Sciences
Use of Funds
Allowed Uses
Grants are awarded for innovative research which add to existing knowledge and improve methods and techniques for the management, administration, and effectiveness of Social Security Administration (SSA) programs. Grant funds may not be used for construction or major renovation of buildings.
Matching Requirements
Grantees must match 5 percent of the total project cost.
Reporting & Compliance
Applicable 2 CFR 200 Subparts
- Subpart B — General Provisions
- Subpart C — Pre-Federal Award Requirements
- Subpart D — Post-Federal Award Requirements
- Subpart E — Cost Principles
- Subpart F — Audit Requirements