Local Efforts to Increase Access to SSI for Homeless Persons: Best
Practices
- Denver, CO – The Colorado Coalition for the Homeless (CCH)
has developed the Benefits Acquisition and Retention Team (BART)
program.
Instead of taking clients to file an SSI application at SSA, CCH
staff now completes applications and submits them to SSA, along with
a complete
package of medical records. DDS staff flags cases submitted through
this program, and calls CCH when additional documentation (medical
or other)
is needed.
- Texas – The Texas Department of Mental Health and
Mental Retardation (TDMHMR) has implemented an agreement with the
Texas DDS, under which
SSI applications are submitted for TDMHMR clients. Much of the agreement
focuses on cross-training, which teaches TDMHMR funded program staff
how to submit all of the proper medical documentation along with an initial
SSI application, while also teaching DDS staff about the special barriers
faced by low income claimants with mental impairments.
- Boston, MA – For
about a decade the Massachusetts DDS has had a homelessness advisory
committee, made up of local advocates and consumers.
For much of this time, based on a recommendation from this committee,
the DDS has flagged all claims filed by homeless persons, and has established
a special unit to process those claims. Because this unit receives
all claims filed by homeless persons, its staff has developed good
relationships
with homeless service providers, which makes it easier for them to
obtain important medical documentation. The staff has also developed
a better
understanding of the barriers faced by homeless persons seeking disability
benefits.
- Los Angeles, CA – The Los Angeles Coalition to End Hunger and
Homelessness (LACEHH) has recently received a grant to do one on one
advocacy designed to enroll eligible homeless persons in the SSI program,
so that they can both receive a monthly income and qualify for Medicaid
benefits through the Medi-Cal program. The program’s staff is made
up of current SSI recipients. Based on this experience they work directly
with homeless persons who are potentially eligible for SSI – convincing
people who do not function well that they should agree to apply, completing
SSA forms, and attending meetings or hearings to assist claimants.
If you have questions call or email Jeremy Rosen, at (202) 638-2535
x 207, or jrosen@nlchp.org
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