Basic Public Benefits Advocacy Trainings: SSI & SSDI Basics

  • 9:30 AM - 4:00 PM
  • Eastern Time (US & Canada)
  • By: Massachusetts Law Reform Institute, Disability Law Center, Inc.
  • MCLE Conference Center
Topics:
  • Public Benefits
  • Access to Justice
  • Disability Benefits

Available in-person at MCLE's Conference Center and via live webcast.

Social Security disability programs continue to be a major source of cash and health benefits for individuals with disabilities. However, dealing with a large federal agency can be daunting and overwhelming, especially for an unrepresented claimant. The program begins with an overview of the two disability programs administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA), with emphasis on eligibility requirements and procedures, including online procedures and any remaining COVID-19 related procedures, basic disability eligibility standards and nondisability issues such as income, resources, and non-citizen criteria. An explanation of the recently revised evidence submission and analysis rules begins the afternoon session followed by an overview of the appeals process for disability applications. Concluding the program is a review of certain postentitlement issues, with special emphasis on continuing disability reviews, work incentives rules, and benefits overpayments.

The training is for legal services advocates, lawyers in private practice who are thinking of representing clients before SSA, social and health workers, and community activists.