Beneficial Computing (Day Two)

Beneficial Computing is building digital infrastructure to help people navigate complex government benefits systems starting with federal disability benefits (SSI/SSDI). Our project is an AI-powered eligibility screener that helps individuals and frontline service providers understand whether someone may qualify for disability benefits and what evidence or documentation may be needed.

Applying for SSI or SSDI is notoriously complex. The application process can take months or years, has a high initial rejection rate, and requires detailed medical, financial, and work history information. Many eligible people never apply, while human service organizations spend enormous time trying to interpret complicated eligibility rules.

Our tool translates these rules into an interactive chatbot-style screening experience that helps people understand eligibility pathways and prepare for applications. At the Pop Up, we will demo the screener and invite participants to test it themselves. We’re especially interested in feedback from technologists about usability, transparency, and how AI tools can responsibly support public benefits navigation.

We’re excited to include this project because access to benefits is a fundamental part of how people experience government. If public systems are confusing or inaccessible, trust erodes. We believe public interest technology should help translate bureaucratic systems into tools that actually work for people.