The Impact of Affordable and Accessible Broadband on SSDI and SSI Participation

Abstract

Online access to government services and benefits has become increasingly prevalent, but a substantial portion of low-income, disabled individuals live without a home broadband connection. We study how the launch of a large-scale broadband subsidy program affected participation in the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) programs. Using difference-in-differences leveraging geographic variation in the broadband subsidy program, we find that SSDI and SSI participation rates significantly increased in areas where the program became available. Effects were driven by areas with fewer physical Social Security Administration offices. Mechanisms appear tied to the convenience of the online application portal, and not to indirect benefits of home broadband such as improved information gathering.