KEY POINTS

• As part of the GR application process, an individual's employability (or ability to work) is determined. If the applicant states he/she is physically/mentally unable to work, he/she is referred to a medical/mental health professional for further screening.
  
  
• As part of the screening for employability, the medical/mental health professional evaluates potential eligibility for SSI, using the Social Security Administration's disability guidelines (i.e., the disability is permanent or is expected to last for at least one year).
  
  
  • For the mentally disabled (i.e., those who Need Special Assistance or NSAs), the mental health professional makes this evaluation on the ABP 2012, Referral for Mental Health Services.
    
    
  • For the physically disabled, the medical provider inputs his/her determination into LEADER.
    
    
• Following the employability screening, the individual returns to the district for a second intake appointment. During the appointment, the individual's GR eligibility is determined.
  
  
• If the individual was identified as potentially eligible for SSI (on the ABP 2012, GREAT or LEADER), the GR Eligibility Worker (EW) immediately refers the individual to the District's SSI Advocate.
  
  
• A copy of the ABP 2012 and/or health questionnaire is given to the SSI Advocate at the time of referral.
  
  
• "No-shows" for the SSI Advocate appointment will be automatically rescheduled for a second appointment by the SSIAP computer system or LEADER.
  
  
• When individuals fail all appointments with the SSI Advocate:
  
  
  • For physically disabled individuals, the SSIAP system or LEADER will automatically initiate noncompliance and schedule a pretermination hearing with the GR EW.
    
    
  • For  NSAs, LEADER notifies the GR EW who makes one last attempt to contact the individual before terminating the case for Whereabouts Unknown.
    
    
  • Should the "no-show" appear for the pretermination hearing or GR EW interview, he/she is referred to the SSI Advocate to complete the initial interview as a condition of having his/her GR termination rescinded.

• Upon initial contact with the participant, encourages him/her to attend the initial interview, briefly explaining how you can help him/her improve his/her life, increase his/her income, and help him/her achieve self-sufficiency. Uses this opportunity to formally screen the participant for potential SSI eligibility. Record the conversation details on an ABPSSI 15, the SSIAP Screening Form.
  
  
• If necessary to reschedule the initial interview for any reason, uses the date of the ABPSSI 15 as the protected SSI application date. Authorizes any bus tokens/cash needed for the participant to return to the office for another appointment, motivating the participant to return and keep the appointment. Also makes a brief entry in Case Comments on LEADER.
  

• All physically and mentally disabled participants have been assessed by a medical/mental health professional as to their potential eligibility for SSI.
  
  
• If determined to be potentially eligible, the individuals were referred to an SSI Advocate on the same day for an initial interview.
  
  
• If it was necessary to reschedule the initial interview, the participant left the office with a new appointment and the needed transportation funds to return to the office.
  
  
• If the participant left the office without seeing the SSI Advocate, the SSIAP system identified the individual as a "no-show," which will automatically schedule the individual for up to two follow-up appointments with the SSI Advocate.