9.6.1.3 Service Provided by an SSI Advocate

The SSI/SSDI advocate plays a vital role in a participant’s application process. An SSI/SSDI advocate shall gather the necessary information to build a strong medical narrative to accompany the participant’s SSI/SSDI application. Advocates must also gather information about the participant’s ability and capacity to work.

Ways in which this information can be collected include:

Formal and informal assessments;

Case management relationship; and

Through the participant’s experience participating (or failing to participate) in assigned activities and/or work experience.

The services outlined below may be provided at any point during all phases of the SSI/SSDI application or appeal process:

Review medical documentation and build a medical narrative.

Assist in supplying initial and subsequent documents, including non-medical documentation.

Coordinate with the case manager or an appropriate service provider to schedule additional evaluations that may build the medical narrative and support the disability claim.

Communicate information to and facilitate contacts among involved parties.

Attend phone calls, meetings, hearings, and appointments with the participant as needed or requested.

Present the facts in a participant’s case that favor a decision of disability.

Ensure all relevant documentation is available to the DDB Disability Determination Bureau .

Assist the participant in complying with the SSI/SSDI claim requirements.

Act as a liaison among SSA, DDB, and medical professionals.

Coordinate with the W-2 agency and the FEP to establish a referral process and an ongoing communication network, to include SSI/SSDI related activities on the Employability Plan and to provide supportive services such as transportation and childcare for SSI/SSDI related activities.

The SSI/SSDI advocate should maintain regular contact with the SSA, DDB, and W-2 participant throughout the application and appeal process.