During the first contact with the claimant (or proper applicant), provide information about filing for disability benefits online at http://www.socialsecurity.gov/applyfordisability.

See Also:

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  GN 00204.055, Internet Claim (iClaim) Application; and

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  DI 81007.000, IDR Intake and Processing.

In addition to the general outline of processing tasks described above, the FO must also complete specific disability development. FOs can frequently expedite DDS development requests by providing complete development at case transfer. Be sure to:

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  Document complete medical source names, addresses, and phone numbers;

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  Document all work activity after the alleged onset date (AOD);

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  Obtain a medical release (SSA-827 Authorization to Disclose Information to SSA);

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  Record the correct prescribed period and controlling date for all Disabled Widow(er)s’ Benefit (DWB) claims;

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  Annotate the date last insured (DLI) on the SSA-3367, Disability Report - Field Office;

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  Annotate the case with the appropriate flag (e.g., Homeless, TERI, etc.); and

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  Notify the DDS promptly regarding any material changes (e.g., insured status issues, change of address, etc.).

If during the course of the interview, it appears that the claimant may be incapable of managing his or her benefits:

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  Request “Capability Development Needed” on the SSA-3367 in EDCS, or on the MCS Exclusion Information page in EDCS for the DDS to assess capability during their medical review.

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  Try to obtain the name, address, and telephone number of a close relative or friend who may be interested in assisting the claimant during the application process.

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  Develop for a representative payee, when appropriate.

See GN 00502.000, Determining the Need for, Developing and Selecting a Representative Payee for more information.

When it is alleged or apparent that the claimant is homeless:

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  Annotate the file and attempt to obtain the name, address, and telephone number where the claimant can be contacted (relative, friend, soup kitchen, shelter, social agency, etc.).

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  Request a contact to serve as a third party who can receive copies of all correspondence sent to the claimant, with the claimant's authorization (e.g., SSA-3288, Consent for Release of Information or SSA-1696, Appointment of Representative).

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  Add the “Homeless” flag to the folder to notify the DDS.

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  Complete additional disability reports (e.g., SSA-3369, Work History Report and SSA-3373, Function Report - Adult) per DI 11005.018B.2.

See DI 11005.004 for detailed instructions about identifying and flagging homeless cases.

See DI 81010.080, Alerts, Flags, and Messages in the Electronic Disability Collect System (EDCS) for more information.

When an office, general delivery, hospital, or institution address is given, obtain the claimant's home mailing address and telephone number and record the information in the application.

If the home address is unavailable, obtain the name, address, and telephone number of a friend, relative, or neighbor who can contact the claimant.

Work with third parties while assisting the claimant, or deal directly with medical sources when a claimant requires special assistance due to immobility, homelessness, hospital confinement, mental illness, or inability to understand instructions or inability to effectively communicate with others.

Reconcile material discrepancies between statements about work and other information in file such as the claimant’s earnings record (ER) and income and resources allegations.

If there are circumstances that prevent the claimant from keeping a consultative examination (CE) appointment, annotate the remarks section of the SSA-3367 to notify the DDS. This remark includes such issues as:

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  Lack of transportation;

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  Home confinement due to disability;

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  Inability to read; or

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  No telephone where claimant can be reached.

Inform the applicant of the importance of attending any consultative examination.

Initiate medical development in special arrangement situations or when the DDS, Processing Center (PC), or other office makes a request for it.

References:

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  DI 11010.485, FO Development of Medical Evidence

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  DI 11010.490, Special Arrangement Sources - Concurrent Title II/XVI Cases

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  DI 11010.495, Special Arrangement Sources - Title II Cases

A totalization benefit is a U.S. or foreign social security benefit payable under the terms of a social security agreement based on combined U.S. and foreign coverage. The purpose of the totalization agreement is to help individuals who have not worked long enough under either the U.S. or foreign system to qualify for a benefit. Under these agreements, either country can count the number holder’s credits in the other country to help him or her meet the insured status requirements. In these claims, special processes apply.

References:

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  GN 01701.100, Overview of Totalization Benefits

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  GN 01702.400, Developing Medical Evidence in Claims for U.S. Totalization Disability Benefits

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  GN 01702.405, Associating Evidence From Prior Disability Folders

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  GN 01702.410, Routing of Claims for U.S. Totalization Disability Benefits

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  GN 01702.415, Development of Medical Evidence and Routing of Claims for Foreign Disability Benefits

The Great Lakes Program Service Center Disability Processing Branch (GLPSC-DPB) has jurisdiction of disability claims filed by claimants who have 60 or more months of railroad service after December 31, 1995 (or 120 or more months of railroad service prior to December 31, 1995) or who have filed or are entitled to a survivor annuity with RRB.

References:

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  DI 11010.262, Railroad (RR) Cases Sent to Great Lakes Program Service Center – Disability Processing Branch (GLPSC - DPB)

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  DI 11050.015, Jurisdiction of Disability (DIB) and Freeze Applications for Career Railroad (RR) Employee and Surviving Dependent RR Annuitant

With the exception of the mandated situations as referenced below, interviewers must exercise their discretion when choosing to defer development based on the guidelines. Generally, if the interviewer is unsure about whether to defer or simultaneously develop a claim, defer the development. For the complete policy regarding deferring development see:

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  DI 11010.025, Guidelines for Deferral of Non-Medical Development

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  SI 00603.002, Explanation of Deferred and Simultaneous Development

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  GN 00200.000, Applications and Interviews

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  GN 00204.001, Valid Application

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  GN 00204.055, Internet Claim (iClaim) Application

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  DI 10105.060, Requirements for Entitlement to a Disability Insurance Benefit (DIB)

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  DI 10500.000, Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA)

• •

  DI 11005.000, Disability Interviews

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  DI 11005.016, Forms Used in Disability Claims

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  DI 11005.045, Completing Form SSA–3367 (Disability Report-Field Office)

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  DI 11010.510, Evidence in Claimant’s Possession

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  DI 11055.001, Title XVI Disability Claims

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  DI 81007.000, IDR Intake and Processing

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  DI 81010.000, FO Procedures - Electronic Process

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  MSOM MCS 005.001, Title II DADE Application Screens - Overview

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  MSOM MSSICS 001.001, The Modernized SSI Claims System (MSSICS) - Overview