DPSS Online

DESCRIPTION

Supportive services are provided to assist participants to overcome barriers in completing the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) application process. Supportive services include referrals to medical and mental health care, as well as, transportation issuances for any medical or SSI-related appointment

KEY POINTS

• The need for mental health services is evaluated during the General Relief application process. In addition, a participant can request an evaluation at any time.


• Medical and mental health service providers become sources of records in support of the SSI application or SSI hearing.


• Transportation can be authorized by the SSI Advocate or Eligibility Worker for any medical or SSI-related appointment.
  
  Taxi vouchers are available from the Disability Determination Service Division (DDSD) to provide door-to-door transportation to and from SSI medical appointments scheduled by DAPD.
  


• Public transit providers have special fares for disabled customers. This information should be shared with the participants.

• Mental Health
  
  
  • Participants identified as potentially in need of mental health services are referred for an NSA evaluation.
    
    The Department of Mental Health (DMH) conducts the evaluations for all District offices except Civic Center which is served by Adult Protective Services Workers in Community and Senior Services' Adult Protective Services.
    
    The results of the NSA evaluation are provided to the SSI Advocate on the ABP 2012, Referral for Mental Health Services. li>
    
    
  • If treatment is recommended, an initial appointment with a provider is scheduled by the DMH staff upon request by the SSI Advocate. The provider's name/location/appointment date is faxed to the DMH liaison on the Request for Psychiatric exam.

• General Relief Health Care Program (GRHCP)
  
  
  • GRHCP provides case management, primary and specialty care for participants through Department of Health Services contracted physicians.
    
    
  • Participants in need of health services are referred by the EW to County medical facilities for health care services.
    

SSI ADVOCATE DUTIES

At the initial interview, and at each subsequent contact, evaluates the need for supportive services.

• Makes any needed referrals for medical or mental health care.
  
  Arranges for transportation funds for any medical or SSI-related appointments.
  
  
• Records all participant contacts/SSIAP case activity ABPSSI 16, SSIAP Activity Record and in Case Comments on LEADER.

RESULTS

Upon an evaluation that supportive services are needed:

• A referral for medical or mental health care was made.


• Transportation was arranged as needed.
  
  
• The ABPSSI 16 and LEADER were updated.