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Promoting the Readiness of Minors in Supplemental Security Income (PROMISE)

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Purpose

Program Office:

Office of Special Education Programs

ALN:

84.418

Program Type:

Discretionary/Competitive Grants

Also Known As:

Promoting Readiness of Minors in Supplemental Security Income (PROMISE)



Description

Promoting Readiness of Minors in Supplemental Security Income (PROMISE) is a joint initiative of the:

  • Department of Education (ED),

  • Department of Health and Human Services (HHS),

  • Department of Labor (DOL), and

  • Social Security Administration (SSA).

PROMISE was created to foster improved health, education, and post-secondary outcomes for children ages 14–16 who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI), as well as their families. The primary focus of the initiative is to support improved coordination of various services, such as those available through the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, the Vocational Rehabilitation State Grants program, Medicaid health and home and community based services, Job Corps, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), and Workforce Investment Act programs. PROMISE also seeks to facilitate the increased use of such services, ensuring that families are tied into programs for which they might be eligible, but are not yet participating.

A small number of competitive, multi-year grants will be awarded to states. Applications for these grants will be submitted by governors and will identify a lead agency that is tasked with managing the program.

The underlying premise of PROMISE is that improved coordination between services can improve outcomes for youth on SSI and their families. PROMISE's goals include improving the life outcomes of youth on SSI and decreasing their reliance on the program, as well as reducing the federal government's cost.

The key elements of PROMISE include:

  • Services focused on both youth and families rather than only focusing on youth.

  • Waivers, if possible and if needed.

  • A rigorous evaluation that SSA will lead, with input from ED.

  • Pay-for-success payments, if the right conditions exist.



   
Last Modified: 04/28/2022