KEY POINTS

• As part of the GR application process, an individual's employability (or ability to work) is determined. If the applicant states he/she is physically/mentally unable to work, he/she is referred to a medical/mental health professional for further screening.
  
  
• As part of the screening for employability, the medical/mental health professional evaluates potential eligibility for SSI, using the Social Security Administration's disability guidelines (i.e., the disability is permanent or is expected to last for at least one year).
  
  
  • For the mentally disabled; i.e., Needs Special Assistance (NSA), the mental health professional makes this evaluation on the ABP 2012, Referral for Mental Health Services.
    
    
  • For the physically disabled, the medical provider inputs his/her determination into LEADER.
    
    
• Following the employability screening, the individual returns to the district for a second intake appointment. During the appointment, the individual's GR eligibility is determined.
  
  
• If the individual was identified as potentially eligible for SSI on the ABP 2012 or on LEADER, the GR Eligibility Worker (EW) immediately refers the individual to the District's SSI Advocate.
  
  
• A copy of the ABP 2012 and/or health questionnaire is given to the SSI Advocate at the time of referral.
  
  
• "No-shows" for the SSI Advocate appointment will be automatically rescheduled for a second appointment by LEADER.
  
  
• When individuals fail all appointments with the SSI Advocate:
  
  
  • For physically disabled individuals, LEADER will automatically initiate noncompliance and schedule a pre-termination hearing with the GR Eligibility Worker.
    
    
  • For NSAs, LEADER will schedule an appointment with the GR Eligibility Worker and will send an appointment letter in an attempt to contact the individual, before terminating the case for Whereabouts Unknown.
    
    
  • Should the "no-show" appear for the pre-termination hearing or GR EW interview, he/she is referred to the SSI Advocate to complete the initial interview as a condition of having his/her GR termination rescinded.

• Upon initial contact with the participant, encourages him/her to attend the initial interview, briefly explaining how you can help him/her improve his/her life, increase his/her income, and help him/her achieve self-sufficiency. Uses this opportunity to formally screen the participant for potential SSI eligibility. Records the conversation details on an ABPSSI 15, SSIAP Screening Form. Also, makes a brief entry in Case Comments on LEADER.
  
  
• If necessary to reschedule the initial interview for any reason, uses the date of the ABPSSI 15 as the protected SSI application date. Authorizes any bus tokens/cash needed for the participant to return to the office for another appointment, motivating the participant to return and keep the appointment. Also, makes a brief entry in Case Comments on LEADER.

• All physically and mentally disabled participants have been assessed by a medical/mental health professional as to their potential eligibility for SSI.
  
  
• If determined to be potentially eligible, the individuals were referred to an SSI Advocate on the same day for an initial interview.
  
  
• If it was necessary to reschedule the initial interview, the participant left the office with a new appointment and the needed transportation funds to return to the office.
  
  
• If the participant left the office without seeing the SSI Advocate, LEADER identified the individual as a "no-show," which will automatically schedule the individual for up to two follow-up appointments with the SSI Advocate.