Pursuing a Secure Economic Future for Youth with Disabilities—Lessons from PROMISE

Youth with disabilities who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) face the threat of a lifetime of economic insecurity. One of the most substantial efforts to improve the prospects of these youth as they become adults was the Promoting Readiness of Minors in Supplemental Security Income (PROMISE) demonstration, funded by a collaboration of federal agencies led by the U.S. Department of Education. Six PROMISE programs in 11 states sought to improve coordination between agencies that offer services to youth who receive SSI. The programs also provided key services to youth and their families that showed the potential to improve youth’s education, employment, and financial outcomes.

Findings on PROMISE’s five year impacts on youth and families will soon be released. Although some outcomes fell short of expectations, the demonstration provides valuable evidence for future transition interventions. Join Mathematica’s Center for Studying Disability Policy for a discussion of the soon-to-be-released evaluation results and important lessons the study has for states and service providers seeking to improve the long-term economic well-being of youth with disabilities.