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

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Abstract

Rural communities face specific challenges to accessing information about government safety net programs that can provide essential assistance to reduce urban-rural inequalities and contribute to the rural economy. This mixed-methods study examines these challenges, and preferred methods for outreach efforts to increase program awareness and take-up in rural areas. Our qualitative findings align broadly with previous research that suggests distance to in-person resources and unreliable internet access are critical obstacles in rural areas. These challenges are exacerbated for groups with more vulnerabilities, including those on low-incomes, the elderly, those experiencing disease or disability, compromising their ability to access information, benefit claim support, and, in the case of disability claims, the required medical records. Nevertheless, quantitative analyses reveal that, despite having lower internet literacy, rural populations overall have similar access to certain Social Security information resources as their urban peers, notably the Social Security Statement. Still, a large number of rural respondents have low levels of information and access and, overall, rural areas exhibit a strong preference for print and in-person Social Security information relative to nonrural respondents. Government agencies’ expansion of online access to programs and information to counteract the barriers to in-person access in rural areas may be only partially effective, since internet connectivity and literacy remain a challenge for some, especially in more disadvantaged areas. Native American reservations may be of particular concern. Moreover, the focus on online access may be insufficient for rural communities where many continue to prefer other modes of communication.

Key Findings

  • Qualitative findings show that physical distance to government program and health care resources constitute a significant burden for participants seeking in-person information and resources, especially in terms of the cost of gas, vehicle maintenance, and time.
  • Similarly, internet connectivity is a multilayered challenge, with some participants reporting unreliable or limited connectivity in their homes or surrounding areas, and others reporting reliable access but high costs of internet connection.
  • These challenges are exacerbated for groups with more vulnerabilities, including those on low-incomes, the elderly, those experiencing disease or disability, those living in more isolated areas, and those who lack their own transportation, compromising their ability to access information, benefit claim support, and, in the case of disability claims, the required medical records.
  • Nevertheless, survey data analysis reveals that there are no marked differences between rural and nonrural respondents in terms of knowledge of Social Security programs. Significant differences, however, emerge in terms of knowledge about the Social Security disability programs (SSDI and SSI) specifically.
  • Although rural respondents exhibit lower levels of internet literacy and general internet use, they are at least as likely to use the internet to access information about Social Security and government programs as their urban counterparts. In fact, rural respondents are both more likely to say they have heard of my Social Security, and to have used it.
  • Still, a majority of rural residents do not have a my Social Security account, and a large minority (35%) have never seen their Social Security Statement.
  • Qualitatively, no distinct communications and outreach preferences for Social Security and other program information were observed.
  • However, participants cited a range of information sources that could have wide reach in rural areas, highlighting that certain analog approaches may be most effective for outreach, especially for groups and communities facing more disadvantages.
  • These sources include print information provided through community or senior centers, healthcare settings, public libraries, and local newspapers.
  • Survey data analysis supports this finding; rural respondents exhibit a stronger preference in rural areas for print and in-person Social Security information relative to nonrural respondents.

Citation

Rabinovich, Lila, Francisco Perez-Arce, and Tabasa Ozawa. 2023. “Mixed-method Study on Information, Communications, and Access to Government Benefits among Rural Populations.” Ann Arbor, MI. University of Michigan Retirement and Disability Research Center (MRDRC) Working Paper; MRDRC WP 2023-474. https://mrdrc.isr.umich.edu/publications/papers/pdf/wp474.pdf

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Project

Paper ID

WP 2023-474

Publication Type

Working Paper

Publication Year

2023