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.
To conduct this demonstration, we are waiving certain SSI program rules, which are
referred to in this POMS section as GIFTT waivers.