How Does Your Non Attorney Representative Apply for Disability Benefits on Your Behalf ?

Navigating the world of disability benefits can be overwhelming, especially when you’re already facing health challenges. Fortunately, applying for disability benefits with a representative has become a more streamlined process, allowing individuals to access the support they need from the comfort of their homes. Here you will be guided /walked through, the steps to successfully apply for disability benefits application, ensuring you have all the information you need to make the process as smooth as possible.

Close-up view of a computer screen displaying a disability benefits application form

Collecting Your Data

Essential information is requested to complete numerous applications, determined by the SSA office. As a result, once you contact us, online or by phone, we will send you a form to complete. Once, this form has been submitted back to us, all forms that require your signature shall be prepared. Here are the following forms

• SSA-1696 (requires your signature so the non attorney assigned can communicate with agencies, such as, the local Ssa office, the Division of Disabilities Determinations (DDS), all hospitals, therapists, case management agencies, among others, if needed, Appeals unit, Court representatives.

• SSA-827

• SSA-3288 (work history)

• SSA-3288

• SSA-8000 (SSI Application)

• SSA-16 (online application-paper form)

• Hippa-960 form (for each hospital or/and doctor, specialized school, therapist,medical incarceration,etc.)

STEP 2

Once this information is completed, other reports shall be prepared on your behalf, into a comprehensive package faxed and mailed to your local Ssa office.

STEP 3

Though, the local SSA office/DDS assigned Analyst requests the information inputted on the online application, we also request all medicals, and submit them on the ERE-OHO system, explained, as the following:

Electronic Records Express (ERE) is a secure SSA initiative allowing users to submit disability claim documents, such as medical or school records, directly to the Office of Hearings Operations (OHO) or state agencies, speeding up processing times. It provides a fast, electronic alternative to mail or fax for claimants and representatives. 

Link: www.ssa.gov/compassionateallowances

STEP 4

Your case will be sent to the Division of Disabilities Determination(DDS), by the local SSA office, if you meet all the non medical requirements. There you case shall be assigned to an Analyst. Thereafter, the analyst, shall request conformation about your your physical/mental limitations listed on the applications. Next, the analyst, will forward your case to an DDS doctor, whom can/ or not, request an in person doctors appointment, at your local IMA Group, within your community. (DDS provides transportation services, if needed).

STEP 5

• The IMA Group is a national provider of medical, behavioral health, and occupational evaluations, frequently contracted by the Social Security Administration (SSA) to perform Consultative Examinations (CE). They evaluate individuals' functional capacity to work in support of disability claims, offering both in-person and telehealth options. 

• If you need to reschedule an appointment, you can contact the number on the appointment form or the National Call Center

  1-800-897-5252.

STEP 6

Once your case(s) have been evaluated by DSS, it shall be sent back to the local SSA office. Your analyst shall continue to verify with both agencies, the status of your application(s). However, the local agencies, will send a letter of determination for each application

separate, or/and an Award letter, stating you have been accepted into the program(s). In addition, your online SSA account, will alert you to the stages of both applications. If approved, your disability applications(s) determined as meeting the definition of disabled under the SSA definition, will only allocate funds 1 year prior of the actual applications, if you meet all requirements.

However, if denied, for one program or both, your case shall be sent to request either a reconsideration (under specific guidelines) or the following can take place

     Hearing by Administrative Law Judge (ALJ): If denied at  reconsideration, you can request a hearing.

     Appeals Council Review.

     Federal Court Review.

Things You Should Know

Common Reasons for Non-Medi Lack of Work Credits (SSDI): You have not worked long or recently enough, generally five of the last ten years.

•    Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA): You are earning to much money from working.

•   Excessive Income/Resources (SSI): Your household income or assets exceed strict SSI limits.

•  Other: Not meeting citizenship/residency requirements, or inability for the SSA to locate you.

 You have the right to appeal this decision, usually starting with a Request for Reconsideration, within 60 days of receiving the notice.

Reasons for Medical Denial

Insufficient Medical Evidence: Records do not clearly show how your condition limits your ability to work.

• Condition Not Severe Enough: The SSA determines you can still do your previous work or adjust to other work.

• Duration Requirement Not Met: The impairment is not expected to last 12 months or result in death.

• Failure to Follow Treatment: Not following prescribed treatment plans (without a good reason) can lead to denial.

• Failure to Cooperate: Missing scheduled medical exams or not providing updated records.

*YOUR RESPONSIBILITY*

Collect all relevant documents, listed below and take to the local SSA office designated in your community: (We will provide the local SSA agency within your community).

• Social Security number

• Birth certificate

• Employment history

• Financial information (for SSI applicants)

• Marriage Certificates/Divorce Certificate

• Lease (current)

• Naturalization Certificate

• Passport/Permanent Resident Card

  
  
  
  

Please note, SSA offices do not accept copies, ONLY originals. However, you can mail the originals, and they will mail them back.

Creating an Online Account

To apply online, you’ll need to create an account on the Social Security Administration (SSA) website. Follow these steps:

1. Visit the SSA website.

2. Click on “Sign In” or “Create an Account.”

3. Follow the prompts to set up your account.

SSA States the following:

-Single Bank Account no more than $2000.00 or you will receive a non medical denial

-Married Bank Account no more than $3000.00 or you will receive a non medical denial

We don’t count everything you own in deciding whether

you have too many resources to be eligible for SSI. For

example, we don’t count:

• The home and land where you live.

• Life insurance policies with a face value of $1,500

or less.

• Your car (usually).

• Burial plots for you and your immediate family.

• Up to $1,500 in burial funds for you and up to $1,500

in burial funds for your spouse.

Other rules you must meet

To get SSI, you must live in one of the 50 states, the

District of Columbia, or the Northern Mariana Islands.

People who live in American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico,

and the U.S. Virgin Islands cannot receive SSI. Generally,

you must also be a U.S. citizen or national.

However, some noncitizen residents may be eligible for SSI. For

more information, read Supplemental Security Income

(SSI) For Noncitizens (Publication No. 05-11051).

• If you’re eligible for Social Security or other benefits,

you must apply for them. If eligible, you may be able to

get SSI and other benefits.

• If you live in certain types of institutions, you may

get SSI.

• If you live in a city or county rest home, halfway house,

or other public institution, such as a jail or prison, you

usually can’t get SSI. But there are some exceptions.

—If you live in a publicly operated community

residence that serves no more than 16 people, you

may get SSI.

—If you live in a public institution mainly to attend

approved educational or job training to help you get

a job, you may get SSI.

—If you live in a public emergency shelter for the

homeless, you may get SSI.

—If you live in a public or private institution, and

Medicaid is paying more than half the cost of your

care, you may get a small SSI benefit.

—If you have any felony or arrest warrants for

escape from custody, flight to avoid prosecution

or confinement, or flight escape, you usually can’t

get SSI.

SSDI Program

Social Security pays benefits to people who

can’t work because they have a medical

condition that’s expected to last at least one

year or result in death. Certain members of your

family may be eligible for benefits based on your

work history. They include:

• Your spouse, if he or she is age 62 or older.

• Your spouse at any age, if he or she is

caring for a child of yours who is younger

than age 16 or who is disabled.

• Your unmarried child, including an adopted

child, or, in some cases, a stepchild or

grandchild. The child must be younger

than age 18 (or younger than 19 if still in

high school).

• Your unmarried child, age 18 or older, if he

or she has a disability that started before age

22. The child’s disability must also meet the

definition of disability for adults.

How much can you get?

• Not everyone gets the same amount. The

amount you get will depend on how long you

worked and your earnings over that time.

Conclusion

Applying for disability benefits online can be a straightforward process if you are well-prepared and informed. By understanding the eligibility criteria, gathering necessary documents, and following the application steps carefully, you can increase your chances of receiving the support you need. Remember, persistence is key. If your application is denied, don’t hesitate to appeal. The journey may be challenging, but the assistance you seek is worth the effort. Take the first step today and start your application for disability benefits with SBHH-LLC/ Non Attorney Representative.