FAQ

The SSA-3369 Work History report is only necessary if/when DDS reaches step 4 of the Sequential Evaluation.  In this case, DDS will contact you to request it.

You can read more about the SSA-3369 here.

When an applicant files for SSI, they are automatically also considered for any SSDI benefits (or other associated benefits) for which they may be eligible at the time of application. If the applicant is not eligible at the time of application for SSDI, but is eligible for SSI, they may become eligible for SSDI in the future. This occurs one of two ways:

1. If the beneficiary works and earns enough work quarters to qualify for SSDI based on their own earnings record, they could be moved to SSDI. The beneficiary can check their work quarter status by signing up for a “my Social Security” account.
2. If the beneficiary became disabled before age 22 and was receiving SSI, they may be able to switch to SSDI based on a parent’s earnings record if the parent retires, becomes disabled, or dies.

If the beneficiary believes that he/she may be eligible based on the above situations, we encourage him/her to reach out to SSA to discuss their circumstances before filing the application. 

Absolutely!  Initiating the Online Disability Benefit Application sets the protective filing date for SSI as well as SSDI. Even without work credits, there are other ways an applicant may qualify for SSDI so we recommend applying for both programs. Further, completing the online application is an efficient way to submit medical and work information that is necessary to apply for SSI.

Yes, members of the military do pay into the Social Security system and earn work credits during military service. SSA has a great publication about military service and work credits here: https://www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10017.pdf. 

The Social Security Administration publishes Spanish versions of all their forms. There is also a Spanish version of their website: https://www.ssa.gov/espanol.

You should definitely send all of the medical records. SSA has a rule called the “All Evidence Rule” which requires applicants (through their representative) to submit all medical information known, which includes knowledge of impairment and/or treatment sources. 

Once you have set the Protective Filing Date (PFD), you have 60 days to submit the complete application & MSR.  Read Steps in the SSA Disability Application Process.

Yes, if she meets the medical criteria for disability and has sufficient work credits to be insured through SSDI, should could be eligible for these benefits. While SSI takes spousal resources into account in eligibility criteria, SSDI does not. She should be able to check her history of work credits by signing up for a “My Social Security” account, here: https://www.ssa.gov/myaccount/.   

• The child is entitled to disability benefits based on his/her own earnings.
• The child is on active duty in the armed forces
• The child is living alone and self-supporting
• The child is a parent and filed for his/her own or his/her child’s benefits,  and has experience handling finances
• The child is within 7 months of attaining age 18.
• The child has demonstrated the ability to handle finances, and no qualified payee is available.

Yes, she is “potentially” eligible because she is in possession of a non-immigrant T visa. See SSA guidance below which requires “proper certification” of status by the US Dept. of Health and Human Services. You will want to contact the individual’s local SSA field office and bring proper documentation.  See link below for documentation required to prove identity and status.

https://www.ssa.gov/ssi/spotlights/spot-non-citizens.htm

For purposes of SSI eligibility, individuals are not considered qualified aliens if they were admitted to the U.S. under the provisions of the Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act of 2000.  Their eligibility is subject to the proper certification in such status by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and possession of a valid "T" non-immigrant visa.  Once the alien obtains proper certification and is in possession of a "T" non-immigrant visa, he or she becomes potentially eligible for SSI.