Module Overviews
Module I – The Disability Programs of the Social Security Administation
Module I presents an overview of the two SSA disability programs discussed in the curriculum, focusing primarily on the basic differences and similarities. It introduces some of the terms used by SSA.
Module II – Engaging the Applicant
Module II focuses on the importance of engaging the applicant in order to expedite SSI/SSDI benefits. It introduces several strategies for creating a comfortable environment for individuals revealing private details of their lives and interviewing techniques to gain the necessary information. This module introduces potential roles for case managers in the SSI/SSDI application process.
Module III – The Application Process: Non-Medical
Module III presents an overview of the entire application process and then focuses on the gathering of non-medical information. Special attention is given to critical sections of the SSI application: living arrangement, income, resources, immigration, and legal status. The advantages and disadvantages of different methods for submitting the application (in person, by phone, on-line) are also discussed.
Module IV – The Application Process: Medical Evidence
Module IV focuses on the importance of the medical evidence in the disability determination process. It details the kinds of medical information necessary, strategies for gathering it, and the importance of complete information for an SSI/SSDI application, and especially for completion of the SSA-3368 Disability Report.
Module V – Eligibility Criteria and the Sequential Evaluation
Module V presents the process used by the Disability Determination Service, called a sequential evaluation, and the criteria for determining an applicant’s eligibility.
Module VI – Medical Information on Mental Illness
Module VI familiarizes participants with Disability Evaluation Under Social Security, the document thatsummarizes the SSA guidelines used by DDS to evaluate impairment that results from illness. In addition to presenting these guidelines, also referred to as the “Blue Book” or “Listings,” this module provides tips for working with individuals diagnosed with specific disorders, and possible clues in gathering information such as commonly used medications and types of mental health treatment and support services.
Module VII – Co-Occurring Disorders: Mental Illness and Substance Use Disorders
Module VII discusses the challenges of evaluating and documenting co-occurring mental illness and substance use disorders. The legal changes that govern this evaluation are explained.
Module VIII – Collecting the Medical Evidence: The Usual Process
Module VIII presents the typical process for collecting medical evidence and examines why this process does not work well for people who are homeless. Consultative exams are also discussed in this module.
Module IX – The New and Improved Process
Module IX builds on Module VIII to create a practical guide for collecting and submitting the medical evidence to the DDS in a more efficient, complete, and effective manner.
Module X – Interviewing and Assessing
Module X expands the discussion about engaging and interviewing begun in Module II, focusing on the importance of understanding fully how each person’s history, personal issues faced, and current situation impact his or her day-to-day life. This module focuses on the ongoing and investigative nature of interviewing and assessment in the application process.
Module XI – Functional Information: The Often Missing Link
Module XI introduces the four areas of functional information used by SSA and DDS in reviewing and evaluating an applicant’s eligibility. It examines the critical link that case managers must establish between these functional areas and an applicant’s medical problems.
Module XII – Writing Functional Responses
Module XII builds upon the previous module and focuses on how to write functional descriptions pertaining to each area of functional impairment. These functional descriptions are used as part of the Medical Summary Report discussed in Module XIII.
Module XIII – The Full Picture: The Medical Summary Report
Module XIII is the culmination of the information presented in previous modules. Participants learn to take the personal, medical, and functional information about an applicant and create a comprehensive medical summary report for submission to the DDS.
Module XIV – Supplemental Medicaid Programs: QMB, SMLB, and QI-1
Module XIV discusses some of the Medicaid programs that are designed to supplement Medicare beneficiaries, mainly Qualified Medicare Beneficiaries (QMB), Specified Low-Income Beneficiaries (SLMB), and Qualifying Individuals (QI-1).
Module XV – SSI and SSDI Work Incentives: A Brief Overview
Module XV presents an overview of work incentive programs available to recipients of SSI and SSDI so that a case manager can help guide him or her through those next steps of employment and more successful community living.
Module XVI – Starting a Community SSI/SSDI Initiative
Module XVI presents information and strategies for a case manager to gather agency support for helping people who are homeless and who have mental illness with SSA disability applications. It also focuses on strategies to begin a systems-level change ultimately necessary to provide the most effective service. Key players, the importance of this effort for all stakeholders, opportunities for collaboration, and steps to implement agency- and systems-level changes are discussed.