The Youth Transition Exploration Demonstration (YTED) tests the effectiveness of providing enhanced counseling and referral services to youth with disabilities ages 16 through 24 who are transitioning into the adult workforce in the greater Philadelphia area in achieving long-term employment outcomes. To become a YTED participant, an individual must sign an SSA approved consent form that advises them on how the project is conducted.  Participation is voluntary, and they can withdraw their consent at any time. Some YTED participants may be applying for Supplemental Security Income (SSI); others may already be receiving SSI.

Along with SSA, the project is being conducted by Mathematica (a research and data analytics consulting firm), the Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR), and the University of Maryland’s Center for Transition and Career Innovation (CTCI). Mathematica and OVR will recruit participants. OVR will provide enhanced counseling services and standard services. The University of Maryland CTCI will provide training and technical assistance to OVR and external partners.

YTED is being conducted in specific areas in Pennsylvania: Bucks County, Chester County, Delaware County, Montgomery County, and the City of Philadelphia.  Eligible YTED participants are randomly assigned to a treatment or control group. The treatment group receives enhanced counseling and referral services by a vocational rehabilitation counselor with specialized YTED training. The control group is only eligible for standard services. The project began in January 2025 and will end in December 2028.

We are waiving certain SSI program rules for YTED participants who are recipients of SSI payments. SSI payments will be protected from standard SSI earned income counting rules for YTED participants receiving earned income as defined in SI 00820.001. Normal deeming rules are waived. For more information, see DI 60010.015.

YTED requires the support of SSA Field Offices (FOs). SSA technicians should:

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  Assist with filing applications for SSI

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  Implement YTED policy waivers

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  Input work start and stop dates

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  Enter wages with exclusion (see DI 60010.015B)

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  Answer questions related to the YTED policy waivers

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  Provide general program information (see DI 60010.010)

The responsibility of the National 800 number network (N8NN) is 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 YTED participant.

Northeast Region

dco.oaipo@ssa.gov

Mathematica

David Mann, Mathematica Project Director

dmann@mathematica-mpr.com

Office of Vocational Rehabilitation

Jeff Seabury, OVR Project Director

jseabury@pa.gov

Steve Coperich, OVR Deputy Project Director

scoperich@pa.gov