SSI Advocacy

What is SSI Advocacy?

The County of Tulare Health & Human Services Agency (HHSA) established the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) 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 and/or appeals package in order to be determined eligible upon application and/or appeals process. The unit accepts clients by internal referrals only, clients may not make self-referrals.

 

 

How does SSI Advocacy Unit help me in the application process?
  • Assists the client in completing the application paperwork.
  • Evaluate 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.
  • Recommend other medical tests and evaluations that may benefit the client's case.
  • Monitor the status of the SSI/SSDI application process.
  • Remind clients of scheduled Social Security Administration (SSA) appointments and evaluations.
  • Assist the client in obtaining transportation to required SSA appointments and evaluations.
How does the SSI Advocacy Unit help me in the appeals/hearing process?
  • Assist the client in completing the Reconsideration and Hearing Appeals forms.
  • Monitor the status of the SSI/SSDI appeals process.
  • Monitor  to ensure that the client completes and files their appeals request within the required time frames.
  • Remind the clients of scheduled Social Security Administration (SSA) appointments, evaluations, and hearings.
  • Assist the client in obtaining transportation to required SSA appointments, evaluations, and hearings.
  • Prepare a summary of the client's medical records for an Administrative Law Judge.
  • Provide support to the client at hearings with the Administrative Law Judge.
What does disabled mean?

 An individual who has a medically determinable physical or mental impairment, which:

  • Results in the inability to do any substantial gainful activity; and
  • Has lasted or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months; or
  • Can be expected to result in death
What is the difference between Social Security Disability Income (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI)?

Social Security Disability Income (SSDI) is based on prior work and is financed with Social Security taxes paid by workers, employers, and self-employed persons.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a program for individuals who are disabled, blind or aged, have limited income and resources, meet the living arrangement requirements, and are otherwise eligible.

How can I apply for SSI/SSDI?

You can choose to file the claim either online at www.socialsecurity.gov, in person at a local Social Security office, or by a phone call to toll free # 1-800-772-1213. Once you initiate the application process, the SSI Advocacy Unit can assist you with the paperwork.

Note: You cannot apply online for just SSI. You must apply for SSDI and you will be asked if you wish to also apply for SSI during the SSDI online application process.