Library & Tools

While we do our best to help eligible individuals get approved on the initial application, sometimes the application is denied and we need to help someone through the appeals process. This article provides an overview of the several levels of appeals and the steps to take to file an appeal.

Recipients of SSDI are eligible for Medicare two years after their SSDI eligibility began. This article provides an overview of programs that can assist individuals with the expenses associated with Medicare, such as premiums, deductibles, and co-pays.

Both SSA disability programs have health insurance programs associated with them. For SSI it is Medicaid; for SSDI it is Medicare which begins two years after the date of eligibility. Establishing eligibility for SSI or SSDI can be key to connecting with Medicaid or Medicare health insurance. 

SOAR TA Center Director, Kristin Lupfer, was featured on this webinar presented by HUD's Office of Special Needs Assistance (SNAPs) and Office of HIV/AIDS Housing (OHH).

An SSA ruling clarifies existing regulations which require that claimants and/or their authorized attorney or non-attorney representatives inform SSA about, or submit all evidence known to them that relates to their disability claim. This article will discuss the purpose of the ruling, outline key requirements, and present a few scenarios which a SOAR practitioner may encounter.

This webinar, held on June 25, 2015, provided the tips and tools necessary to understand SSA’s Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) hearing process. 

Completing the SSA-827 allows SOAR case managers to obtain the applicant’s medical records, in order to verify that they meet the medical eligibility criteria for SSI/SSDI.

It is important to find out whether someone has a pending initial claim or is waiting for a reconsideration or an appeals hearing before starting a new application.

The CE report should show not only the individual’s symptoms, laboratory findings (psychological test results), and diagnosis but also the effect of the mental disorder on the individual’s ability to function in personal, social, and occupational situations.

The National Organization of Social Security Claims Representatives (NOSSCR) has compiled a list of the state statutes and regulations regarding the collection of fees for medical records.