SPECIAL SERVICES - APPLYING FOR SSI
ISSUE DATE: 07/2013
MFIP:
MFIP participants are eligible for DHS SSI advocacy services. Follow GA, GRH. The SSI interim assistance provisions do not apply to MFIP participants. Give SSI Advocacy Program (DHS-5889) to applicants/participants who want help applying for SSI.
WB, DWP, SNAP:
No provisions.
GA, GRH:
The county agency must make certain help and advocacy services are available to clients who apply for SSI. The county agency can arrange with DHS to use county staff to furnish the special services or use a DHS contracted SSI advocate. Give SSI Advocacy Program (DHS-5889) to applicants/participants who want help applying for SSI.
Encourage clients who may have difficulty with the SSI application process and/or for an appeal to accept help from an SSI advocate. Let clients choose their own service provider whether county staff, a DHS SSI advocate, or their private arrangement. (SSA will now directly compensate attorneys and certain non-attorney advocates from SSI back payments as they do for RSDI claimants.) Provide information about the SSI advocates available in your area and/or referral.
County agencies continue to perform other functions in the interim assistance program, including:
● | Screen clients for referral to SSA. |
● | Explain the SSI application process. |
● | Explain the benefits available through SSI. |
● | Obtain the client’s signature on the SSI Interim Assistance Authorization (DHS-1795) and update the STAT/PBEN panel. |
● | Track the progress of the client’s SSI application. |
● | Provide priority response to Social Security and DHS inquiries regarding the claim. |
● | Convert the client to MSA and MA and make other benefit adjustments as appropriate when the client becomes eligible for SSI. |
● | DHS will tell the county agency of clients who have received GA for 2 years or more for potential SSI eligibility screening. |
● | MAXIS produces a DAIL/DAIL message alerting you to clients you must screen for referral for an SSI application. |
In screening potential referrals for SSI application, look for clients who:
● | Have an illness, injury or mental condition that will prevent work for 12 months or more or result in death. |
OR | |
● | Are not required to pursue SSI benefits under their current GA basis of eligibility but may also have another basis of eligibility that does require SSI referral. |
OR | |
● | Have had a change in circumstances that indicates possible SSI eligibility including having received GA for more than 6 months with little or no change in their condition. |
SSI advocates will:
● | Help clients set up appointments, complete application forms and cooperate with Social Security procedures, requirements, etc. |
● | Help with necessary transportation. |
● | Help assess their disability in relation to SSI eligibility and identify possible issues that may come up in the eligibility determination process. |
● | Provide available medical or vocational evidence, social history, or expert testimony to substantiate blindness or disability. |
● | Help them get and use medical or vocational evidence, social history or expert testimony. |
● | Prepare for and represent clients at interviews, hearings and appeals on the SSI eligibility determination. |
MSA:
MSA clients must already be SSI eligible or would be except for excess income. DHS SSI advocacy services are available to retain SSI when SSA proposes cessation of benefits. Give SSI Advocacy Program (DHS-5889) to applicants/participants who want help applying for SSI.
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