FAQ

First, here is some information about overpayments and how to help prevent them in the future: Avoiding and Managing SSI/SSDI Overpayments. Reporting earnings is absolutely essential to prevent overpayments. SSA has some options for requesting waivers of overpayments and can set up payment plans if they deny the waiver request. 

Deciding whether to quit or cut back their hours depends on the person’s circumstances. No matter what, they need to report their earnings. Those earnings will impact SSI and SSDI differently (read some basic information about SSA Work Incentives). For some people, they can earn a lot more income by working and if they are feeling well and are able to work, that is probably what they should do (their decision!). For others, the stability of their SSDI payment is important and so they work under SGA each month to keep their benefit. Ultimately, I would recommend that they talk to a Benefits Counselor to discuss their options.

There is no need to make up any details about your fictional applicant. All of the information you need to complete the Practice Case application packet is provided to you. Take care to review all materials available on the Practice Case pages at the end of Classes 1-4. This includes applicant interviews, medical records, and progress notes.

The SAMHSA SOAR TA Center recommends that you don’t cite the Listing and Grid numbers, e.g.) Ms. Jones meets Listing 12.04, and the alternative Grid rule 203.03. Rather, at the DDS level (initial and reconsideration) we suggest providing a description of how the applicant meets a particular Listing(s) or Grid rule through specific examples from the medical records, applicant quotes, and other collateral sources.

You can obtain valuable insight into the reason an applicant was previously denied by reviewing the applicant’s electronic folder, or at minimum, obtaining the “Disability Determination Explanation” or denial notice. Most likely, you will have easy access to the denial notice from the applicant or, if you are the authorized representative, SSA should have mailed a copy to you. You can also request reason for denial by contacting your local SSA office. Learn more at Reviewing Denial Notices.

When you log-in to the SOAR website, go to your Profile page.  There, you will see a link to access the Certificate of Completion that was e-mailed to you when you passed the course.

• The appeal must be filed within 60 days of receipt of the initial denial notice.
• The applicant must submit the following forms:
  • SSA-561: Request for Reconsideration
  • SSA-3441: Disability Report- Appeal
  • SSA-827: Authorization to Disclose Information to SSA
• Additional medical records and evidence can be submitted
• The application will be assigned to a different disability examiner and reviewing physician at DDS

Yes, we have a number of resources on the SOAR website to help provide information and guidance through the appeals process. They can all be found in the SOAR Library. I recommend starting with the article About Appeals and then checking out the Appeals Toolkit.

From the perspective of the SAMHSA SOAR TA center, there is no expiration date. Since you have passed the SOAR Online Course and received a Certificate of Completion, you are “SOAR-trained.” While we do not require additional training or re-certification, we do recommend visiting our website frequently and attending our webinars/SOARing Over Lunch calls, etc., to stay up-to-date on SSA policy changes and learn about new or updated SOAR resources.

With that being said, there may be training/certification requirements in your state or community.  We recommend reaching out to your State Team Lead or your SAMHSA SOAR TA Center Liaison. They will be able to provide additional assistance and connect you with leads in your area. You can find their contact information on your your state's SOAR page.

SSA does not allow an applicant to have multiple applications pending at the same time.  If the applicant chooses to have a new initial SOAR-assisted application for SSDI benefits submitted, then the applicant would need to withdraw their current application.  It is important that the applicant understands that the new application would create a new application date which may result in the loss of retroactive 'back' benefits based on withdrawing the current pending application.

"Questions for Direct Examination at SSA Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) Hearing," along with other helpful resources, can be accessed on the webinar "Hearing Tips for SOAR Practitioners."