FAQ

You can assist someone to apply for Social Security benefits even if they do not have identification. SSA has a set of questions they can ask the individual to verify their identity. (Name, SSN, DOB, mother’s maiden name, contact information)

That said, it is great to help someone obtain their identification documents so that they have them available for other uses. This can be done in parallel with the SSI/SSDI application process. Our partner organization, the Homeless and Housing Resource Center (HHRC) has a great resource on their website, Helping Individuals Experiencing Homelessness Obtain Identification Documents: https://hhrctraining.org/knowledge-resources/toolkit/1926/helping-obtain-ID

SSA can start payments more quickly than usual in four different types of situations:

• Presumptive Disability (PD) or presumptive blindness (PB) payment: Based on the severity of the condition and the likelihood that the claim will be approved, SSA may make payments for up to 6 months while DDS makes a final decision. This is not based on financial need.
• Emergency advance payment: A one-time advance payment to new claimants who "face a financial emergency and who are due SSI benefits that are delayed or not received"
• Immediate payment: An immediate payment to new claimants and SSI recipients whose benefits are delayed or not received and who face a financial emergency."
• Expedited reinstatement cases: If benefits are terminated because of excess earned income or a combination of earned and unearned income, claimants can request to have benefits started again without having to complete a new application.

We recommend visiting SSA's website to find out more: Understanding SSI - Expedited Payments (ssa.gov)

Yes, someone receiving retirement can apply for SSDI benefits if they elected to take early retirement and are receiving a reduced amount. If they retired at full retirement age then their SSDI benefit would be the same and there is no need to apply. 

They would need to prove that they are medically disabled and unable to work at SGA. (Some people who take early retirement benefits are ready to stop working but don’t meet the definition of disability). 

You can complete Social Security’s Online Disability Benefits Application with your clients. This online application encompasses the SSDI application and the Adult Disability Report (i.e., replaces paper forms SSA-16 and SSA-3368).

Within 2-3 days of submitting the online disability application, you will submit three paper forms to SSA:

• SSA-8000 (SSI application)
• SSA-1696 (Appointment of Representative)
• SSA-827 (Authorization to Release Information to SSA)

Read more about the timeline for submitting these and other materials at Steps to Completing an SSI/SSDI Application Using the SOAR Model.

You are not obligated to continue the application, especially if you feel they do not meet the qualifications as outlined in Identifying SOAR Applicants. 

We recommend focusing as much as possible on the applicant’s strengths and explaining that it appears they do not qualify for benefits (i.e., that they are able to work.) Then, if possible, provide a warm handoff to supportive services and/or employment supports.

However, we never want to discourage an applicant from applying; if they would like to apply on their own, we recommend sharing the Applicant Self-Help Guide

Yes, you are absolutely able to work on an application that is in progress!

You will submit the SSA-1696 form to SSA to become the applicant’s representative and determine where the application is in the evaluation process. You can then work quickly to submit any necessary SOAR Critical Components to strengthen the application (e.g., medical records, Medical Summary Report).

HIPAA requires medical providers to release the patient's records within 30 days after the request is received (https://www.hhs.gov/hipaa/for-professionals/privacy/guidance/access/ind…). Some states have laws that require the release of medical records in fewer than 30 days.

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.

Yes, you should file a SOAR-assisted application because even if you don’t have access to the medical evidence, DDS will request directly from prior treating sources and/or schedule appropriate Consultative Examinations (CE) to obtain diagnoses. Remember, SSA needs a diagnosis to make a disability determination. Remember, to write in the “Remarks Section” on SSA forms, about your efforts to obtain medical information so that DDS will know what they need to do to medically develop the claim.

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.