The Local District Guide to the SSI Process
Course Description
The Local District Guide to the SSI Process is designed to increase learner competency in identifying individuals for referral for disability benefits and in packaging SSI applications and appeals. Learners will be better able to guide appropriate clients through the SSI process, resulting in a higher percentage of applicants being accepted at the initial review level. Working through the course content will help district workers: effectively and accurately screen a client to determine potential eligibility for SSI; assist appropriate clients through the application process; provide appropriate documentation to the Social Security Administration; understand and assist in the appeals process; and implement best practices. Interwoven within the course is the information needed for workers to correctly apply TA and Employment policy for clients who are required to apply for SSI. In addition, new system resources [State On-line Query System (SOLQ) and SDX-SSI Individual Status Inquiry screen on WMS] for tracking a district's SSI caseload are included.
Objectives
Upon successful completion of this course, the student should be able to:
- Describe the difference between the Social Security Administration’s Disability Programs, Social Security Disability Insurance benefits (Title II) and Supplemental Security Income benefits (Title XVI)
- List the steps in the SSI application process
- Identify potentially eligible clients
- Identify sources from which you may be able to determine potential SSI eligibility
- Describe the client’s responsibilities
- Describe the “snapshot” that should be part of a client’s application for SSI benefits
- Give examples of medical and vocational evidence that can be submitted with an SSI application
- Describe the two main factors examined during the Sequential Evaluation process
- Compare the Sequential Evaluation Process used to determine Adult and Child Disability
- Describe the various ways SSI application status can be tracked
- List steps which should be taken during the wait for an SSI application decision
- Describe the main reason for SSI Application denials
- Be able to locate and use the SDX Manual to find the meaning of a denial code
- Understand the three levels of appeals
- Describe two best practices for managing an appeal for a client
Target Audience
This course is intended for local social services district staff in New York State who are involved in identifying appropriate applicants for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits and/or who are involved in assisting applicants and clients in applying for these benefits. Each district should identify the workers who come into contact with individuals who may be appropriate SSI referrals, as well as those who assist the clients and manage the application and appeals processes.
Prerequisites
- none
Course Length
Approximately 1.5 hours