SUPPLEMENTAL SECURITY INCOME (SSI)

What is SSI Advocacy?

The County of Tulare Health & Human Services Agency (HHSA) established the Supplemental Security Income Advocacy Unit to assist clients with their Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Income (SSDI) applications and/or appeals. The goal of the unit is to assist clients in submitting a thorough and complete application package in order to be determined eligible upon application. The unit accepts clients by internal referrals only, clients may not make self-referrals.

How does SSI help me?

The unit assists clients by:

• Initiating the application for SSI/SSDI.
• Assisting the client in completing the application paperwork.
• Evaluating for any interim benefits the client may be eligible for prior to their SSI/SSDI determinations.
• Researching and collecting the client's medical records and comparing the diagnosis with the Social Security Administration's Disabling Conditions to ensure that they meet the appropriate criteria.
• Recommending other medical tests and evaluations that may benefit the client's case.
• Monitoring the status of the SSI/SSDI application and/or appeals process.
• Assisting the client in completing Reconsideration and Hearing Appeals forms.
• Monitoring to ensure that the client completes and files their appeals request within the required time frames.
• Reminding the client of scheduled Social Security Administration (SSA) appointments, evaluations, and hearings.
• Assisting the client in obtaining transportation to required SSA appointments, evaluations, and hearings.
• Preparing a summary of the client's SSI/SSDI case and medical records for an Administrative Law Judge.
• Representing the client and providing support to the client Administrative Law Judge hearings.

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Who do I call?

Contact the SSI Advocacy Unit at 559-713-5005.