Presented By Bailey Busdeker, CPSTS Recovery Resources September 24 th, 2015

SSA-1696 Consent to Use Information Form SSA-827 These forms can be found of the website ssi.ohiobenefits.org

Apply for Disability Start a New Application “I am helping someone that is not with me”. This process can be started at ability Once you have obtained the reentry number, print…save and exit.

On the ssi.thebenefitbank.org website create a new client Once your client is created you can add a memo listing your clients reentry number This was obtained from starting the SSI/SSDI application on the SSA website

To complete the application this make take several appointments Five sections: Client Background, Medical- General, Medical- Physical, Medical- Mental, and Daily Living Activities

Complete the general information first. (Such as demographic information, daily activities, hobbies etc.) With your client, create a list of needed information to complete the application process at your next appointment (criminal history, medical history and work history). Use the internet as a resource for finding addresses, criminal records, education information, etc. Get to know your client by engaging with them during the application process. The more you know about your client, the better you will be able to describe their disability!

Forms for SSA Save and Continue Enter your final remarks, save and continue Print two copies of SSA- 16 and SSA-8000, Client signs and dates Print one copy of SSA- 3369, SSA-3368, and SSA-3373, client will keep unsigned forms

Find the client using the client search tool box Copy your clients ID number Paste your clients ID as a memo in the clients portal

On the counselor support website ssi.ohiobenefits.org Download the Application Cover Sheet Retrieve all the signed documents Place today's date in the submission box Place the reentry number in the space provided Applications can be mailed or hand delivered Remember to maintain communication with SSA, DDS, and your client Ask questions to your OBB support team!

OBB Access SSI/SSDI Guide (Version 1). (2014). Ohio, the Ohio Association of Foodbanks.

SSI and SSDI Denials of Eligibility: What To Do After Receiving A Denial Notice Jamie R. Shier, Esq. Legal Aid Society of Columbus 11

Reasons for Denials SSI Denials: Income exceeds income limit to qualify Assets/Resources exceed the asset/resource limit to qualify Finding that applicant is not disabled SSDI Denials: Applicant has insufficient work record Did not work sufficient quarters paying into Social Security Finding that applicant is not disabled 12

Denial Notice Notices generally—always make sure that Social Security has your current mailing address You do not want to miss receiving important notices Read through the notice very carefully Notice provides information on how to appeal the unfavorable decision Notice explains the deadline for requesting an appeal You only have 60 days to appeal the denial decision Filing a new application is NOT the same thing as requesting an appeal Appeal, appeal, appeal! 13

Levels of Appeal 1 st level: Request for Reconsideration 2 nd level: Request for an Administrative Law Judge Hearing 3 rd level: Request for review by the Appeals Council 4 th level: Appeal to the Federal District Court 14

Reconsideration A request for reconsideration must be made in writing Call your assigned local Social Security field office You may also stop in at the Social Security office to speak with a representative in person Tell the Social Security representative that you would like to request reconsideration to appeal the denial of your SSI or SSDI application 15

Reconsideration continued The representative will mail you the reconsideration paperwork to complete Complete the reconsideration paperwork and return it to Social Security as soon as you can Be sure to get a receipt to verify when you submitted the request for reconsideration Try to be patient—the appeals process can take a long time 16

While your appeal is pending… Continue seeking medical treatment as needed Talk with your doctors about responding to requests for medical records sent by Social Security Complete disability appeal questionnaires with as much detail as possible Attend consultative examinations scheduled by Social Security 17

While your appeal is pending… Keep Social Security up-to-date: Report new medical conditions Report new doctors Report results of additional testing (MRIs, scans, etc.) Report new prescriptions (or new side effects from prescriptions) Report any and all changes 18

Notice of Reconsideration Once your request for reconsideration is processed, Social Security will mail you a Notice of Reconsideration If this notice upholds the denial of your eligibility for SSI or SSDI, you need to appeal To appeal, you need to submit a request for an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) Hearing At this point, you should also look for an attorney to represent you at the ALJ hearing 19

Legal Assistance Contact the Columbus Bar Association’s Lawyer Referral Service at (614) Contact the Legal Aid Society of Columbus at (614) Legal Aid does not handle SSI/SSDI denials of eligibility Legal Aid does handle terminations of SSI/SSDI benefits Legal Aid would provide you with three referrals to private attorneys for assistance 20

Questions? Please note you can always contact the Ohio Benefit Bank Helpdesk if you or call