Social Security program communications

Disparities in Social Security Knowledge and the Role of Social Capital

• May 25, 2023
• Susan Barnes
• Disparities, Social Security program communications

In this paper, we develop a new survey that seeks to better understand how differences in information sources (both formal and informal) across racial and ethnic groups contribute to knowledge and planning for retirement. We consider several scenarios where people…

Barriers and Communications Preferences of Rural Populations: A Scoping Review

• April 9, 2023
• Susan Barnes
• benefit claiming, Disparities, Social Security, Social Security program communications, Survivor benefit

This scoping review of the literature on communications and service-related barriers faced by individuals living in rural areas when seeking government benefits will examine the current research on this topic and identify differences by sociodemographic groups within rural populations.

Mixed-method Study on Information, Communications, and Access to Government Benefit among Rural Populations

• April 9, 2023
• Susan Barnes
• benefit claiming, Social Security program communications, Survivor benefit

Federal and state benefits provide essential assistance to reduce urban-rural inequities and indirectly contribute to the rural economy. Yet, while participation in benefits programs is higher among rural than urban residents, gaps remain in benefit access in rural areas. Little…

The Impacts of the Social Security Statement Redesign on People’s Knowledge and Behavioral Intentions: A Survey Experiment

• February 28, 2023
• Susan Barnes
• Financial well-being, MySSA, Retirement, Social Security program communications

Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Knowledge about Social Security Programs

• February 28, 2023
• Susan Barnes
• Disparities, Financial well-being, Social Security program communications

The Redesigned Social Security Statement’s Short-Term Impacts on Near Retirees

• February 24, 2023
• Susan Barnes
• MySSA, Social Security program communications

The Impacts of the Social Security Statement Redesign on People’s Knowledge and Behavioral Intentions: A Survey Experiment

• February 14, 2023
• Susan Barnes
• Financial well-being, MySSA, Retirement, Social Security program communications

Social Security information can be complex but is crucial for financial planning. The Social Security Statement, which was recently redesigned, aims to better inform the public. We assess the impact of the Statement’s redesign on people’s understanding of Social Security,…

Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Knowledge about Social Security Programs

• February 14, 2023
• Susan Barnes
• Disparities, Financial well-being, Social Security program communications

Imperfect knowledge of public programs influences use and can lead to suboptimal decisions. We quantify significant disparities in Social Security program knowledge across race and ethnic groups. Differences in knowledge are not explained by differences in income, wealth, employment history,…

The Redesigned Social Security Statement’s Short-Term Impacts on Near Retirees

• January 31, 2023
• Susan Barnes
• MySSA, Social Security program communications

In October 2021, the Social Security Administration (SSA) implemented a redesigned Social Security Statement for workers scheduled to be sent a paper Statement or checking their my Social Security online accounts. The new statement is half the length of the…

Understanding the Social Security Communication Needs of Hispanics with Limited English Language Proficiency

• October 25, 2022
• Susan Barnes
• Disparities, Social Security program communications, Understanding America Survey

According to United States census data, there are approximately 20 million adults with limited English proficiency (LEP) in the country, of whom more than 65% are Spanish speakers. This study aims to provide initial insights into the Social Security communications…