Research Funding Opportunities

Annually, we invite organizations and graduate students to submit proposals for innovative research relevant to our disability programs. SSA is committed to increasing diversity among applicants for funding and we strongly encourage applications from Historically Black Colleges and Universities and other Institutions Serving Students of Color.
Below are recurring programs and their typical annual application periods.  Additional solicitations will be listed as they open.

  • Interventional Cooperative Agreement Program (ICAP)

    On March 28, 2024, SSA published a Request For Applications (RFA) for the fourth round of the Interventional Cooperative Agreement Program (ICAP) on Grants.gov.

    This funding opportunity will award cooperative agreements allowing SSA to collaborate with states, foundations, and other non-federal groups and organizations who have the interest and ability to identify, operate, evaluate, and partially fund interventional research. The research and interventions under this program will target increasing employment and self-sufficiency of individuals with disabilities, including people of color and other underserved communities (whether beneficiaries, applicants, or potential applicants of the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) programs); coordinating planning between private and public human services agencies to improve the administration and effectiveness of the SSDI, SSI, and related programs; assisting claimants in underserved communities to apply for or appeal decisions on claims for SSDI and SSI benefits; and conducting outreach to people with disabilities who are potentially eligible to receive SSI.

    SSA expects to award two grants of up to $4.5 million each, totaling up to $9 million combined, with each awarded project having a period of up to 5 years for completion.

    Applications for the fourth round of ICAP must be submitted by June 3, 2024 on Grants.gov. SSA will host an Information Session for potential ICAP applicants on Thursday, April 25, 2024, from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. ET. If you would like to participate, please register for the information session by Monday, April 22, 2024.

    Additional information can be accessed on the ICAP main page.