The Social Security Administration (SSA) has just released a new online tool that applicants and individuals assisting applicants can use to request an appointment to apply for SSI benefits. This request creates a protective filing date – which is used to determine when an individual can start receiving SSI benefits – as long as the SSI application is submitted within 60 days.
An individual only needs to provide basic information to make the online request. After the individual submits the request, SSA will schedule an appointment to apply for benefits, which will take place over the phone, and let the individual know of the appointment date within 14 business days. "Priority life circumstances” – such as homelessness, a terminal illness, or recent release from incarceration – can be indicated in the application. If one of these priority life circumstances is indicated in the application, an SSA employee will attempt to contact the applicant by phone within three business days to either apply for SSI benefits then or to schedule an appointment to apply.
More detailed policy guidance about the online tool can be found in EM-22015.
Additional resources from the National Center on Law and Elder Rights (NCLER):
- SSI Basics Training Video
- SSI Basics Issue Brief
- Pandemic-Related Disaster Assistance for SSI Recipients Training Video
- Practice Tip: Important Change for SSI Recipients and Applicants
- Social Security Overpayments and Low-Income Clients Training Video
Upcoming Information Sessions:
On April 1 and April 4, SSA is hosting presentations for advocates who would like to hear more about the expanded reopening of SSA field offices for in-person service. They will also provide an update on their new Electronic Protective Filing Tool and their People Facing Barriers Initiative. There will be two separate Microsoft Teams presentations. Please use the information below to join either session.
Friday, April 1, 2022, 2:00 PM ET
Microsoft Teams meeting
Join on your computer or mobile app
Or call in (audio only)
+1 443-840-7262
Phone Conference ID: 436 453 904#
Open Caption URL
Monday, April 4, 2022, 3:00 PM ET
Microsoft Teams meeting
Join on your computer or mobile app
Or call in (audio only)
+1 443-840-7262
Phone Conference ID: 603 506 007#
Open Captions URL
Funded by ACL and administered by Justice in Aging, NCLER provides the legal services field and aging and disability communities with tools and resources to serve older adults with the greatest economic and social needs.