The Social Security Administration’s (SSA) Office of Retirement and Disability Policy (ORDP) will soon send applicants a New Applicant Survey (NAS) to collect important information about Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) applicants and their experiences with the application process.
The NAS will collect information from approximately 10,000 recent SSDI and SSI applicants about their personal characteristics and pre- and post-application experiences, including services used, accommodations requested and granted, and representation. SSA will use this information to gain a better understanding of applicants’ characteristics and their experiences at different stages in the disability application process, improve the application experience, assess how well SSA programs meet applicants’ needs, and respond to questions from Congress and the Office of Management and Budget.
SSA has contracted with Westat, an independent research firm, to conduct the NAS. This is the timeline for the survey:
- In February 2025, Westat will start mailing the initial letters inviting applicants to complete the survey online.
- Also in February 2025, Westat will start delivering follow-up reminders by mail, email or text message.
- In March 2025, four weeks after the initial invitation letter mailing, Westat will start delivering mailed paper copies of the survey to applicants who have not completed the online survey.
- In April 2025, six weeks after the initial invitation mailing, Westat will initiate telephone reminders to applicants who have not completed the online or paper survey.
As a token of appreciation, Westat will mail all applicants a $30.00 or $40.00 gift card after completing the survey. The value of the gift will vary depending on the timing and mode of survey completion. In addition, all applicants will get $2.00 in cash in the invitation letter, and some applicants will get $2.00 in cash in a reminder letter.
The NAS does not ask applicants for Social Security numbers or confidential banking information. If applicants have questions about the NAS, visit SSA's website or Westat’s toll-free help line, 1-855-450-6464.