Understanding SSI Home Page / Understanding Supplemental Security Income How Someone Can Help You With Your SSI

HOW SOMEONE CAN HELP YOU WITH YOUR SUPPLEMENTAL SECURITY INCOME (SSI)


YOU MAY CHOOSE SOMEBODY WHO CAN HELP YOU WITH:


    small blue ballcompleting forms;

    small blue ballgoing with you to your local Social Security office;

    small blue ballinterpreting for you;

    small blue ballgathering and giving information;

    small blue balltaking you to medical examinations, tests, or to your local Social Security office; or

    small blue ballreceiving mail for you at his or her address.


IF YOU WANT MORE HELP, YOU MAY APPOINT A REPRESENTATIVE TO HELP YOU:


    small blue ball do all of the above;

    small blue ballreview your file;

    small blue ballget information from us about your claim, including notices and letters, just as you would;

    small blue ballrepresent you at informal or formal hearings;

    small blue ballgive us evidence for you; or

    small blue ballhelp you with appeals. (See our chapter on the APPEALS PROCESS)


HOW DO YOU APPOINT A REPRESENTATIVE?


    small blue ballYou must sign a statement naming your representative. We have an "Appointment of Representative" form that you can use. You can obtain it onlineblank space at: www.socialsecurity.gov/online/ssa-1696.pdf or call us and ask for Form SSA-1696.

    small blue ballYour representative does not have to be a lawyer, but the representative needs to be someone of good character and reputation who can give you valuable help with your claim. Also, the representative cannot be someone who is disqualified or suspended from representing individuals before us or is prohibited by law from acting as a representative.

    small blue ballA representative's duties are different from those of a representative payee.

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NOTE		See our chapter on the REPRESENTATIVE PAYEE PROGRAM for information about the duties of a representative payee.

 

IF YOU DO NOT SPEAK ENGLISH OR HAVE DIFFICULTY SPEAKING ENGLISH


    small blue ballWe will provide an interpreter, at no cost to you, if you ask for one or if you need language assistance.

    small blue ballYou may use a bilingual family member, friend, or other third party to interpret for you.

For more information, see the SSI Spotlight on Interpreter Services.

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NOTE		We will not use minor children age 18 as interpreters when dealing with difficult issues, unless they are qualified and you request that we do so.

 

IF YOU ARE DEAF OR HARD OF HEARING


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    small blue ballYou may provide your own sign language interpreter, at no cost to us.

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    small blue ballIf you prefer, we will provide you with a sign language interpreter, if needed, at no cost to you.


IF YOU THINK YOU CAN'T AFFORD TO APPOINT A REPRESENTATIVE


We will give you a list of legal referral services, legal service organizations (for example, local bar associations, legal aid societies, legal service corporations, and law schools with legal aid programs), and community organizations in your area that may provide non-attorney representation at no charge.

The representative you appoint may not charge you a fee that is more than we authorize.


WHAT WE WILL ASK YOU ABOUT


To decide whether you can get SSI benefits, we will ask you about:

If you are age 65 or over, or a child under age 18, we will ask for proof of your age (unless you already receive Social Security benefits). If you are under age 18 and living with your parent(s), or if you are married and living with your spouse, we will also ask about their income and resources.

If you are applying because you are disabled or blind, we will complete a disability report. We will ask about your health problems, your treatment history, and how your health problems affect your daily activities.

We will also ask for all of your medical records from medical sources and request authorization from you to obtain those records. You can also bring or mail copies of your medical records to the office prior to or at the time of application.

If you have access to the Internet, you can complete theAdult Disability Report (ADR) before you visit the Social Security office. Completing the report before you visit the office can help make your office visit shorter. You can complete the ADR online at: www.socialsecurity.gov/adultdisabilityreport.

If you are filing for a child, you can complete the Child Disability Report online at: www.socialsecurity.gov/childdisabilityreport.

If you are a professional, representative, or organization assisting adults age 18 or older in applying for disability benefits and are familiar with the Form SSA–3368–BK ADR, please go to www.socialsecurity.gov/adultdisabilityreport.

 

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NOTE		 The ADR is not the application. You must still complete an application for SSI benefits.


 
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