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BEM 230A 12 of 26 EMPLOYMENT AND/OR SELF-SUFFICIENCY RELATED ACTIVITIES: FIP BPB 2022-020 10-1-2022
BRIDGES ELIGIBILITY MANUAL STATE OF MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES
Step One: Establishment of Disability Once a client claims a disability, he/she must provide MDHHS with verification of the disability when requested. The verification must indicate that the disability will last longer than 90 calendar days. If the verification is not returned, a disability is not established. The client will be required to fully participate in PATH as a mandatory participant; see Verification Sources in this item. In Bridges, the Deferral/Participation Reason is Establishing Inca- pacity while awaiting the verification that indicates the disability will last longer than 90 days. At application, once the client has verified the disability will last longer than 90 days, the application may be approved, assuming all other eligibility requirements have been met. If the returned verification indicates that the disability will last 90 days or less; see Short-Term Incapacity in this item. Step Two: Defining the Disability For verified disabilities over 90 days, see BAM 815, Medical Determination and Disability Determination Service, for the policy requirements in obtaining a medical certification from DDS. If the client does not provide the requested verifications, the FIP should be placed into closure for failure to provide needed documentation. For verified disabilities over 90 days, the client must apply for benefits through the Social Security Administration (SSA) before step three. See BAM 815, Medical Determination and Disability Determination Service and BEM 270, Pursuit of Benefits. In Bridges, the Deferral/Participation Reason is Establishing Inca- pacity while awaiting the DDS decision. Step Three: Referral to DDS Send the completed required forms along with any medical evidence provided, to the DDS to begin the medical development process. The Deferral/Participation Reason in Bridges remains Establishing Incapacity. Manually set a reminder in Bridges for a three-month follow-up.