2024 WIP-C Webinar 2: Administration of SSA Benefits Eligibility

Introduction

• Presented by: Work Incentive Support Center (WISC)
• Part of: K. Lisa Yang and Hock E. Tan Institute on Employment and Disability, Cornell University

Key Topics Covered

1. Title 2 and Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
2. Sequential Evaluation Process for Disability Determination
3. Special Situations in SSA Policies
4. Appeals Process
5. Title 2 Overview and Benefits

Title 2 and Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

• Essentials of Eligibility and Appeals
• Five-Step Sequential Evaluation Process
• Handling Special Situations

Sequential Evaluation Process for Disability Determination

• Step 1: Is the claimant performing Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA)?
  • 2025 SGA threshold: $1,620 (non-blind), $2,700 (blind)
• Step 2: Does the claimant have a severe impairment?
  • Must impact the ability to work.
• Step 3: Does the impairment meet SSA Listing of Impairments?
  • Per se disabling if it meets criteria.
• Step 4: Does the claimant have the residual functional capacity (RFC) for past work?
  • Past work considered regardless of country.
• Step 5: Can the claimant do other work in the national economy?
  • Considers RFC, age, education, experience.

Special Situations

• Presumptive Disability (SSI only): Temporary benefits for up to 6 months.
• Compassionate Allowance: Quick identification of severe conditions.
• Age-18 Redetermination (SSI only): Reevaluate eligibility upon turning 18.

Appeals Process

• Four Levels:
  • Reconsideration: Use Form SSA-561-U2.
  • Hearing Before ALJ: Use Form HA-501-U5.
  • Appeals Council: Use Form HA-520-U5.
  • Federal Courts: Attorney or pro se required.
• Typical Timeline:
  • Reconsideration: 39 months
  • Hearing: 18-30 months
  • Appeals Council: 1 year

Title 2 Overview

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
• Childhood Disability Benefits (CDB)
• Disabled Widow(er)s Benefits (DWB)

Title 2 Disability Programs

• Eligibility Criteria:
  • Medically disabled
  • Under full retirement age
  • Not earning above SGA
  • Insured status as a worker
• Types of Benefits:
  • Disability Insurance Benefits (DIB)
  • Childhood Disability Benefits (CDB)
  • Disabled Widow(er)s Benefits (DWB)

Conclusion

• SSA 5-Step Evaluation: Critical for disability determination.
• Multiple Benefits: Title 2 benefits have unique criteria and work incentives.

Homework

• Located on Moodle platform for further clarification.

Contact Information

• Institute: K. Lisa Yang and Hock E. Tan Institute on Employment and Disability, Cornell University
• Email: [email protected]