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SSI

A BRIEF OVERVIEW OF SSI
The Benefits of SSI
SSI Eligibility
SSI Work Incentives and Programs
HOW TO APPLY FOR SSI
Age 18 Re-Determinations - and- Continuing Disability Reviews

A BRIEF OVERVIEW OF SSI

SSI Website

• Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a federal program for many people with disabilities, medical conditions, or other health issues. SSI is administered by the Social Security Administration.
  
• SSI is an income support program that provides monthly payments to persons who have disabilities and have limited income and resources. It is not necessary to have worked to be eligible for SSI
  
• You can e considered for SSI regardless of your age, and whether you are single of married.
  

The Benefits of SSI

• Financial support. SSI provides financial support during periods that the recipient is unable to work only minimum hours. SSI benefits can be received while in vocational training of attending post secondary institutions.
  
• Medicaid. In Illinois, receiving SSI does not automatically mean receiving Medicaid. However, there is still an important connection. SSI recipients who are provided Medicaid coverage can keep this benefit even after returning to work. This helps SSI recipients maintain access to health care.

SSI Eligibility

For people under the age of 65, SSI eligibility requires having a documented condition that severely limits their ability to work, as well as limited income/ economic resources.

• Disability. The disability must be a medically determined mental and / or physical condition that is expected to last for a year or longer. It is necessary for each SSI applicant ti work with a physician to thoroughly document this disability. It is best for the applicant to work with his of her own physician because she will already understand the disability. However, if this is not possible, Social Security must arrange and pay for an examination.
  
• Financial. Financial criteria considered in determining SSI eligibility include earned income {wages}, unearned income, and resources {bank accounts, and other assets}. The applicant’s home and car, or used for medical appointments or to get to work. Are not counted as a resource. To receive SSI benefits, a single adult applicant’s earned income must be at or below $810.00 gross per month in 2004 {$1350.00 for people who are blind}, and his or her resources have a limit. Once approved for SSI benefits, the recipient’s income and resources must remain below these amounts.

SSI Work Incentives and Programs

There are many ways to maintain SSI eligibility while working. This is typically done through Social Security’s Work incentive Programs. These programs allow recipients to earn more that an amount that indicates Substantial Gainful Activity - The income level set by SSA- and still maintain eligibility.

There are two broad categories of Work Incentive Programs. Some center around saving money, while others focus on deducting disability related expenses {i.e. accessible transportation to work}. To get help in understanding how work can impact SSI benefits, or how to utilize work incentive programs, Contact a Benefits Planning Specialist at {800} 807-6962

HOW TO APPLY FOR SSI

STEP 1: How do you apply for SSI?

Call the Social Security Advisor at 1-800-772-1213. The person you talk to will give you a date and time for your application interview. Parents and guardians can apply for blind or disabled children under age 18.

Step 2: What should you do once you set up your interview?

SSI applicants involve the completion of many forms and documentation. Two major forms to be completed are the Disability Report and the Vocational Report. Social Security will send these forms. These forms are long and will take some time to complete, but the important thing to remember is accuracy and detail. Take as much time as you need, and remember: assistance completing forms is available. Just ask!!

Step 3: What should you take to the interview?

You should have the following things before you apply. Even if you don’t have all the things listed, apply anyway. If possible please take:

• Your Social Security card or a record of your Social Security number
• Your birth certificate if other proof of your age;
• Information about the home where you live, such as your mortgage or your lease and landlord’s name;
• Payroll slips, bank books, insurance policies, burial fund records and other information about your income and the things you own;
• The names, addresses and telephone numbers of doctors, hospitals, and clinics that have seen you, if you are applying for disability benefits; and
• Proof of US citizenship or eligible non- citizen status.

You also should take your checkbook or other papers that show your bank, credit union, or financial institution account number. Your benefits can be deposited directly into your account.

Step 4: What should I expect during an interview?

A claims representative will conduct the interview. You are allowed to bring someone to the interview with you. A practice session prior to the interview is a good suggestion.

An initial application will be completed during this meeting. There will be many forms to sign, including authorizations for release or medical l records. These forms should describe the obtainable information as exclusively medical in nature.

Step 5: What happens after the interview?

After the interview, the claims representative will mail the file to the Disability Determination Service in Springfield. The file will then be assigned to a Disability Evaluation Analyst (DEA) approximately 7-10 days after the interview. This is your new contact: the person who will review your paperwork and decide whether or not you are eligible for benefits.

Most applicants will receive a Daily Activities Questionnaire a few weeks after the initial interview. The form assesses the functional limitations and should be completed with an emphasis on limitations.

Step 6: What about additional medical and non- medical evidence?

Thorough medical documentation is critical for SSI applicants. Without detailed and detailed and current medical documentation, a person cannot be found eligible for SSI. All existing medical records, a current evaluation, and third party reports are necessary. Other supporting documents such as statements from your teachers describing how your disability limits you, are helpful as well.

What should you do if you are denied?

APPEAL! Many people who are initially turned down for SSI benefits end up receiving them once they appeal.

Can anyone help me?

CCHCC has volunteers who can answer many of your questions about SSI.. In some cases, volunteer advocates will be able to help you all the way through the process.

AGE 18 RE-DETERMINATIONS - AND- CONTINUING DISABILITY REVIEWS

After a child or adult receives SSI benefits, there are still points at which they are at risk for losing those benefits. These times are known as Age-18 Re-determinations and continuing Disability Reviews. It is essential to be prepared for these assessments, as they can result in an abrupt discontinuation of benefits.

AGE 18 RE-DETERMINATIONS:

Age 18 Re-determinations came our of the welfare reform legislation of 1996. Basically, the age 18 regulations call fro every child receiving SSI to go through a disability re-determination upon turning 18. These cases are treated as brand new cases by Social Security, not as continuing reviews. In other words, there is no presumptive eligibility for adult SSI. The adult eligibility guidelines are utilized in making the age 18 decision.

Here are a few guidelines regarding these Re-determinations:

• Focus on work limitations: it is very important to thoroughly describe and document how the disability impacts any type of work the applicant has done. Describe all types of assistance received when working.
  
• Be honest about limitations: Many people have a difficult time discussing how their disabilities limit them. However it is crucial to explain all of these limitations during the age 18 Redetermination process.
  
• Work closely with school personal: School reports of limitations are extremely important. It is important that these limitations be presented in comparison to all students, not to other students with disabilities. Also, schools should not just report how a student is doing academically, but also on whether or not they have any disability-related problems with vocational programs or interacting with others.
  

CONTINUING DISABILITY REVIEWS

Continuing Disability reviews {CDR’s} are periodic reviews used to determint if a person continues to be eligible for benefits {i.e, continues to have a severe disability. The decision is based on the following classifications, which is made at the time benefits are originally granted.

Medical Improvement Expected {MIE}: If a person is expected to improve medically, he or she will have a review un 6 to 18 months after the initial decision. An example of such a condition is a fracture that is expected to heal.

Medical Improvement Possible {MIP}: If it is possible that a person will improve medically, or if improvement is unpredictable, he or she will have a review every 3 years.

Medical Improvement Not Expected {MINE}: If a person’s disability and its impact on the ability to work is considered permanent, review will occur every 5- 7 years.

In order for Social Security to terminate benefits via a CDR, it must demonstrate that medical improvement has occurred. During the CDR, Social Security considers the person’s current condition and compares it to his or her condition on the date of the most recent favorable decision.

Eight steps are used to determine continuing disability:

Step 1: Is the individual engaged in substantial Gainful Activity?

Step 2: Does the current impairment {s} meet or equal a listing?

Step 3: Has there been medical improvement of those impairments that were present at the sate of the last favorable decision?

Step 4: Is the medical improvement of those impairments related to the ability to work?

Step 5: Do any exceptions apply?

Step 6: Is there a severe impairment or combination of impairments considering all of the claimant’s current impairment’s?

Step 7: Can the claimant return to his or her past relevant work?

Step 8: Can the claimant do other work?

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