Stay Steady with SSI and SSDI
Connecting formerly incarcerated people with mental and physical health needs to financial support through social security programs.
Due to discrimination, many formerly incarcerated people struggle with financial stability. It’s even harder if they have a mental or physical health condition that prevents them from working. While there are government programs that can help, the application process is long and confusing. Even if someone has gotten approved in the past, payments can be interrupted by incarceration.
Social security programs, like SSI and SSDI, improve mental health and wellbeing of people with mental health needs by providing access to financial support and health care. For formerly incarcerated people with disabilities, financial stability plays an important role in disrupting cycles of hospitalization, homelessness, and incarceration. By breaking down how to apply for these programs, more formerly incarcerated people with disabilities can be empowered to seek financial support and stability.
That’s why The Mental Health Project of the Urban Justice Center collaborated with CUP and designers 13 milliseconds to create Stay Steady with SSI and SSDI, an English and Spanish booklet that explains how to apply for these programs and what to expect throughout the process. The booklet also includes information about how to appeal if your application is denied.
The Mental Health Project is sharing the booklet within their network of clients and partner organizations. Thanks to the generous support of Wellcome's Mindscapes Program, CUP has been able to distribute over 24,500 copies to 14 organizations across New York City that work with formerly incarcerated people including Queens Legal Services, Brooklyn Defender Services, NYC Health and Hospitals, and Empower, Assist and Care Community Re-entry Assistance Networks.
Check out the Project
The project helps readers see the process of applying for SSI and SSDI from start to finish, and know what to expect—and where they can get support—every step of the way. The cover introduces a character following the steps to apply for SSI and SSDI. The booklet includes information about the different ways to apply and the documents that are required.
Buy an English Copy
Download an English Copy
Buy a Spanish Copy
Download a Spanish Copy
Project Collaborators
Community Partner
The Mental Health Project of the Urban Justice Center
Ann Biddle
Zuly Alvarado
Designers
13 milliseconds
Sharon Bach
François Huyghe
Special Thanks
Dennis Adams, Gregory Melton, Marco Barrios (community members) and to the team of translators at Translingua Associates Inc (translators).
Product Details
5.5″ x 8.5″ color booklet
Funding Support
Support for this project was provided by Wellcome. It is part of Mindscapes, Wellcome’s international cultural program about mental health.