SSA made the original version of the i3368 available for public use in August 2002. Initially, Internet Users (IU) had to first complete an online disability benefit application (known then as ISBA) to gain access to the i3368. Since then, the i3368 has steadily evolved through several phases:

• •

  In April 2003, the i3368 became a standalone Internet service. IUs no longer had to first complete an ISBA; access was open to users aged 17 and 9 months, or older.

• •

  In September 2003, SSA integrated the SSA-3369 work report with the i3368.

• •

  SSA put the i3368PRO (PRO) into production in February 2005. The PRO design centered on professional users who represented disability claimants, e.g., lawyers, social workers, non-attorney representatives, etc.

• •

  In January 2010, the simplified version of i3368 entered production. It replaced the original i3368 and PRO versions. The i3369 was no longer an integral part of the i3368.

• •

  SSA added eAuthorization to the i3368 in April 2012. Claimants completing the i3368 for themselves could sign an SSA-827 electronically.

• •

  On January 25, 2014, access to the i3368 again became dependent upon completion of the online disability benefit application, iClaim. The i3368 is no longer a standalone service.

If the basic requirements for a protective writing are met, an SSA-3368 (any version) may constitute a writing that establishes a protective date of filing for benefits. See GN 00204.010. and GN 00204.055. for a complete explanation of these requirements.

Likewise, receipt of a standalone i3368 (i3368 started prior to 01/25/2014) may protect a filing date for the claimant if it meets the requirements explained in GN 00204.010. For standalone i3368s, SSA must determine filing date protection on a case-by-case basis. Starting 01/25/2014, IUs must complete and submit an iClaim before they gain access to the i3368. There is no other access point for the i3368. Generally, beginning on January 25, 2014, the i3368 does not protect a filing date because the IU has already filed an iClaim. However, it is possible that a separate standalone paper 3368 exists; the paper 3368 could still protect a filing date separate from the filing date of the iClaim. In each claim, consider all possible sources of filing date protection and follow existing procedure to determine the proper filing date.

Since the standalone i3368 no longer exists, potential Title XVI claimants wishing to access the i3368 must either file an iClaim, or contact SSA by office visit, phone, or mail, to express their intent to file.

GN 00201.005B.7. mandates a Title II disability application for all adults, unless one of the exceptions in SI 00601.035B.2. applies. In addition to setting an appointment to file for SSI benefits, encourage all adults who contact SSA to file for Title XVI disability benefits to file an iClaim and i3368.

After 01/24/2014, the i3368 does not have its own set of screening criteria for claimants. The screening in iClaim determines which claimants can gain access to both the iClaim and i3368. Any claimant who can pass the screening criteria in iClaim, and submit an iClaim, can use the i3368. To apply for disability benefits, the claimant must:

• •

  be 18 or older; and

• •

  pass the screening criteria (verification checks) described in GN 00204.055B.2.

If an IU submits both a 3368 and an i3368:

• •

  Determine whether the 3368 establishes a protective filing date. See DI 81007.030B in this section.

• •

  Propagate the i3368 to the Electronic Disability Collect System (EDCS).

• •

  Resolve any discrepancies between the i3368 and 3368 (See DI 81010.135B.1.).

Any i3368 initiated by an IU prior to 01/25/2014 is a standalone i3368. We consider any additional i3368 partials created after a standalone i3368 to be standalone i3368s, if they are part of a set of records (DI 81007.005B.3.j.). The IU also may have created and submitted an associated iClaim, but a standalone i3368 is not dependent on iClaim. The standalone i3368 may protect a filing date for benefits. Follow existing procedures for determining the earliest possible protective filing date. (See GN 00204.010.)

NOTE: Any i3368 started by submission of an iClaim after 01/24/2014 is not a standalone i3368.

The linkage of the iClaim and i3368 in January 2014 enforces sequential completion and submission of those forms. Despite the linkage, the iClaim and the i3368 are separate software applications. An IU can submit an iClaim without ever submitting an i3368. If the IU does not submit the i3368 right away, the FO must follow existing procedures to obtain an SSA-3368 (see DI 11018.005.) and any other documentation necessary for the claim.

Broadly, the process for applying for disability benefits online is a three-part process:

1. iClaim

The IU starts an iClaim based on disability or an iClaim based on both retirement and disability. The IU passes screening, completes the required iClaim screens, and submits the iClaim.

2. i3368

After submission of the iClaim, the system automatically starts an i3368. Some iClaim information propagates to the i3368. The IU completes and submits the i3368, which in many cases includes the opportunity to sign an electronic SSA-827 (e827). Submission of the i3368 will also result in submission of an e827, if applicable.

3. Other necessary documents

The IU submits any other necessary documents to the field office (for example, a “wet-signed” SSA-827 or medical records).

The Compassionate Allowances (CAL) initiative is an effort to expedite disability determinations for people whose medical conditions invariably result in allowances. To promote the CAL initiative, we added a distinctive feature to the i3368, iCAL. The iCAL feature within the i3368 works in two different ways.

1. 1. 

   The iCAL feature screens for the word “cancer.” When the IU enters “cancer” in the list of alleged medical conditions, a pop-up message appears on the IU’s screen. The message instructs the IU to add the type of cancer and stage of the cancer, if not already shown.

2. 2. 

   The IU enters into the i3368 all medical conditions that affect the claimant’s ability to work. When the IU selects the “Next” button to move forward, the i3368 sends a “call” to the CAL selection software. If one or more alleged medical conditions match any defined CAL condition, the CAL selection software determines the case is a CAL case and sends a CAL indicator of Y (yes) to the i3368. See DI 23022.080. for defined CAL conditions.

When the CAL indicator equals Y, the i3368 automatically curtails the work and education/training sections of the i3668. Curtailment means the IU does not have to answer the work and education sections of the i3368. This curtailment is identical to the curtailment EDCS users can invoke within EDCS. Subsequent changes to the list of medical conditions do not send another call to the CAL selection software. The call to the CAL selection software happens only one time. Once curtailed, the i3368 remains curtailed through to submission, through propagation to EDCS, and through transfer to DDS.

1. H. 

   eAuthorization

   •  

     The i3368 presents up to two methods by which users may submit a signed SSA-827 (827), the Authorization To Disclose Information to The Social Security Administration (SSA). eAuthorization allows most claimants who complete the i3368 personally to sign an electronic SSA-827 (e827). Claimants who do not sign an e827 must submit a signed, paper SSA-827 (827).