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THE SSI OUTREACH PROJECT
The SSI Homeless Outreach Pilot Project assists the homeless and mentally ill in securing federal disability benefits. Program staff identifies homeless clients who have a mental illness and who appear eligible for disability benefits. The Project then conducts a telephone intake with each client or schedules an appointment for them to see staff during one of the designated "on-site" intake days. After this initial assessment, those clients who appear eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, are then given assistance in completing the application process. The Social Security District office participating in this Project facilitates a streamlined application process for these individuals and provides ongoing communication with Project staff on their claims’ status. Once an application is filed, Project staff work with individuals to collect the medical documentation necessary to substantiate their disability claims. This population often needs help to access the psychological evaluations or assessments they need to document their cognitive impairments and mental disorders. In addition to this assistance in developing individual medical histories, the Project attorney also assists with claims that are initially denied by offering reconsideration assistance, requests for hearings with an ALJ or Administrative Law Judge, and referrals for representation when required.
The Project’s goal is to respond to the needs of all clients referred by one of the two community organizations which serve as the program’s first entry point: the Community Health Council (CMHC) and Thresholds. With just one staff attorney working in partnership with these community agencies, the Project has been very successful in securing benefits for this difficult to serve population.
To learn more about the SSI Outreach Project and to see some of its program materials, check back here in the coming months for additional information.
