How do you submit the MSR for online applications for SSDI? Also, how do you complete a SOAR application when SSA requires an applicant to go in for an interview and that is where they fill out the application? Do I use the forms I printed from training

Great questions! For the MSR, there currently isn’t a way to submit that online unless you are registered with DDS to use Electronic Records Express. Through that system, you can submit medical records and additional documentation by uploading it to the ERE system. I recommend reaching out to your DDS Professional Relations Officer, or your local SOAR contact, for details on how to register. Alternatively, DDS can generate a bar-coded cover sheet which you can use to fax the MSR and records to DDS. By using this process, the documentation will be added directly to the applicant’s file.

Applications can still use the SOAR process if applicants need to go to the SSA office for an interview. Many SSA offices waive the need for this interview if the SOAR representative fills out the disability application online and the SSI application (SSA-8000) on paper and delivers it to the SSA office. However, some SSA offices still require the applicant to attend an interview to verify the information in the SSI application. I recommend completing the online portion of the disability application at least 1-2 days before this interview, so that SSA has critical information about the case on file before the interview. You’ll then be able to provide supporting documentation on the application after the case reaches DDS.

For the application forms, use this link for working on real applications. Some of the training forms have certain parts that are fillable/not-fillable, but the link above will guide you to where the forms can be found on SSA’s website. Remember that the SSA-16 and SSA-3368 can be used as worksheets, as those will be filled out and turned in online.