DESCRIPTION

A Supplemental Security Income (SSI) application is completed during the initial interview between the SSI Advocate and participant. A series of required forms, making up an SSI application package, is completed by the participant and/or SSI Advocate. The information provided describes the disability, gives sources of medical records to document the disability, and allows the participant to explain how his/her disability prevents him/her from working. The application package is sent to the Social Security Administration (SSA) that sends the disability portion to the State's Disability and Adult Programs Division (DAPD) for a disability determination.

KEY POINTS

• An SSI application is completed for individuals who are screened as SSI eligible and who:
  
    .  Have not had a disability evaluation in the last 90 days; or
    .  Had a request for reconsideration denied more than 60 days ago.
  
  
• When interviewing the participant, an assessment/observation is made as to how the disability impacts the participant's day-to-day ability to function. Therefore, questions are posed in a way to solicit responses, which assist in this assessment/observation.
  
  
• When completing the application forms, responses to questions should clearly document/convey the severity/duration of the disability to ensure SSA's definition of disability is met (i.e., the disability will result in death or has lasted or will last for at least 12 months). The protected filing date recorded on the ABPSSI 15, if any, is written in the box on page one of the SSA 8000, Application for Supplemental Security Income, or SSA 8001, (Short Form) Application for Supplemental Security Income.
  
  
• Supportive services needs are assessed and appropriate referrals are made to the Department of Mental Health (DMH), the General Relief Health Care Program (GRHCP), and/or needed transportation funds are authorized.
  
  
• Following completion of the SSI application, the next steps are explained to the participant:

  First, he/she will hear from SSA directly. SSA may send additional forms for completion, an appointment to see a doctor, or a decision on the SSI application. The participant needs to contact the SSI Advocate when he/she is contacted by SSA.

  Second, if the SSI application is denied, he/she is required to complete a request for reconsideration.

SSI ADVOCATE DUTIES

• Completes all required SSI application forms, ensuring all required signatures have been obtained from the participant.
  
  
• Explains the next steps to the participant, including his/her reporting responsibilities.
  
  
• Ensures any protected SSI application date, as recorded on the ABPSSI 15, is recorded on page one of the SSI 8000 or SSA 8001.
  
  
• Assesses any supportive services needs, making any appropriate referrals and/or authorizing any needed transportation funds for medical and/or SSI-related appointments.
  
  
• Forwards the SSI application to SSA (within 60 days of the initial interview), including the ABP 2012 (Referral for Mental Health Services).
  
  
• Records all participant contacts/SSIAP case activity on the ABPSSI 16, SSIAP Activity Record.
  
  
• Updates LEADER (including Case Comments) with new or changed information.
  

• The participant completed/signed the SSI application package of forms, understanding the next steps in the process and his/her reporting responsibilities.
  
  
• Any needed supportive services referrals were made or transportation funds were issued.
  
  
• The participant has the SSI Advocate's name and telephone number.
  
  
• The SSI application was forwarded to SSA within 60 days of the initial interview.
  
  
• The ABPSSI 16 and LEADER were updated.