The Guaranteed Income Financial Treatment Trial (GIFTT) tests guaranteed income (GI) for adults with cancer in active treatment to learn about its interaction with the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program. Some participants in the demonstration may receive SSI or might apply for these benefits because of an impairment and limited income and resources. To become GIFTT participants, individuals must sign an informed consent form that advises them of how the project will be conducted and that they do not have to participate. SSA has approved the consent form.

Eligible GIFTT participants are randomly assigned to either the treatment or control group. The treatment group receives monthly GI payments for 12 months (specifically, $1,000 each month), along with benefits counseling. The control group receives the typical supports available to cancer patients at their hospital, including a referral to a social worker or navigator.

GIFTT is being conducted in certain counties in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

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  In Pennsylvania: Berks, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Lancaster, Lehigh, Montgomery, Northampton, Philadelphia (to include City of Philadelphia), and Upper Darby.

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  In New Jersey: Burlington, Camden, Gloucester, Hunterdon, Mercer, Salem, and Warren.

Along with SSA, the project is being conducted with the University of Pennsylvania and the Humanity Forward Foundation. The University of Pennsylvania is conducting the recruitment and the evaluation and Humanity Forward Foundation is administering the GI payment and providing benefits counseling services.

Humanity Forward Foundation will provide participants with a debit card, Akimbo Now, through which they can access the GI payments. Participants have the option to register to receive monthly statements. All questions related to the administration of the GI payments and the debit card should be referred to the GIFTT contact from the Humanity Forward Foundation in DI60005.005E.

The project began in March 2023 and runs through April 2030.

The following GIFTT waivers apply to GIFTT participants and their spouses and children in the same household:

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  Exclude the GI payments from income (see DI 60005.015).

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  Exclude the GI payments from resources for up to four years, during the 12 months of receipt of GI plus a period of three years after receipt of the final GI payment (see DI 60005.020).

To work as effectively as possible with beneficiaries, GIFTT needs the support of SSA Field Offices (FOs) to assist with filing applications for SSI, implementing the GIFTT waivers, answering questions related to the waivers, general program information, and specific claimant data (see DI 60005.010).

The responsibility of the National 800 number network (N8NN) will be limited to referrals. If someone calls the N8NN to inquire about the demonstration, refer the caller to the appropriate FO of jurisdiction. N8NN agents should document eLAS screens with remarks indicating the claimant is a GIFTT participant.

New York Region

Melissa Maldonado, Area Operations Analyst

Area Directors Office, New Jersey

Melissa.Maldonado@ssa.gov

Philadelphia Region

Brandon Richardson, Social Insurance Specialist

Philadelphia Regional Office

Brandon.Richardson@ssa.gov

Humanity Forward Foundation

Jennifer Kellett, Director of Guaranteed Income Programs

(703) 314-7663

jennifer@humanityforwardfoundation.org