The Washington State SSI Facilitation Program began in 1989 as a pilot project to help the state recoup General Assistance (GA) funds. Eligible GA recipients apply for SSI benefits with the help of a social worker from the Department of Social and Health Services’ Belltown Community Services Office (CSO). They receive interim GA cash assistance that is reimbursed, through an agreement between state and Federal governments, once SSI benefits are received. These GA recipients also become eligible for expedited Medicaid benefits. The social worker accompanies applicants through the process, including appeals when necessary.
DSHS has developed relationships with physicians and psychologists to conduct
medical or psychiatric evaluations and with lawyers who have specialized knowledge
of the appeals process and who are willing to represent applicants at the hearing
level. Turnaround time averages about eight months (including appeals). At
the Belltown CSO, approximately 40 percent of the initial determinations and
reconsiderations are favorable, with an additional 15 percent approved at hearing
level. More than 15 years later, the program is running strong. As Mark Dalton
of the Belltown CSO describes it, “This is big business in Washington
State. Our program collects over 20 million dollars a year in reimbursements,
which, in turn, help to support our program.”