Social Security Research and Demonstration

(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 beneficiar

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.

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.

State agencies, local governments, educational institutions, hospitals, nonprofit organizations, and profit organizations are eligible to apply for grant funding.

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.

Funds are usually granted for a period of 12 to 24 months. SSA awards funds in a lump sum per budget period.

Research grants are selected based on the merit, quality of analysis, research and dissemination strategies. Certain programs focus on the ability to perform program management activities; understanding the scope of the program, experience and knowledge of disability issues and past performance.

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.

Grants can be extended and continued via formal application, which is subject to approval. If an application is recommended for approval for 2 or more budget years, the grantee must submit a formal request for funding continuation each year accompanied by a progress report. This will be evaluated prior to a recommendation of continuation of funding.

There are no formal appeal procedures. If an application is not approved, the reasons will be stipulated in the denial notice.