How Education Affects Economic Security, Longevity and Net Social Security Benefits: Evidence from the Social Security Student Benefit Program

Research suggests that effective communication to retirement beneficiaries (people close to retirement and people receiving benefits) is critical to enable these beneficiaries to make informed decisions about their own benefits and to make them aware of benefits to which they may be entitled (e.g., Social Security Administration 2022). People close to retirement feel they do not have enough information about retirement planning and do not know what the best sources (Social Security Statement, my Social Security, and other notices) of information might be (e.g., Rabinovich and Yoong 2016). This project explores how beneficiaries in underserved communities would like to receive information from SSA about their benefits and other program rules. The aims are:
• Conduct a Qualitative and Quantitative Assessment: We will collect data to explore the communication preferences of individuals from underserved communities in order to inform SSA’s efforts to improve service delivery. Data collected will focus on the following: (1) Do older individuals like to receive SSA communications electronically, by mail, or from an SSA field office? If electronically, (2) do they prefer text messaging, email, or online interaction through My Social Security, and what is the preferred frequency of contact? (3) Do these preferences vary by whether the older individual has claimed or not claimed retirement benefits? (4) Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, is receipt of communications in a preferred style associated with greater understanding of benefit information and other program rules?
• Generate basic statistical results: The above project will highlight the results of both qualitative and quantitative data collected.
• Mentor Black student scholars: Founded in 1865, Bowie State University (BSU) is an HBCU. Since joining BSU in 2019, the PI has participated in multiple Semester-based Undergraduate Research Institutes (SURI) that have engaged six BSU students in research experiences. Two BSU students will work with the PI on this project.