Digital Authentication and Identity Proofing in Public Benefits Applications Claimed

When people across the United States apply for public benefits online, they may be asked to create a username and account, and in some cases, prove who they are by verifying their identity. The Digital Benefits Network (DBN), a project of the Beeck Center for Social Impact + Innovation at Georgetown University, has been conducting research on digital identity in public benefits since late 2022. Through this data project, we examined how the processes of authentication and identity proofing show up during many people’s first touch point with a public benefits program: an initial application. While the field-wide data related to authentication and identity proofing obstacles is limited, it is clear that how these processes are incorporated into applications and benefits management may shape access. Through our research and data, we seek to help state and federal practitioners understand the landscape of digtial identity in public benefits, and ultimately promote practices that can improve equitable access to benefits.