ECI participants can access the New Online SSI Tool by visiting:
The Social Security Administration (SSA) has just released a new online tool that applicants and individuals assisting applicants can use to request an appointment to apply for SSI benefits. This request creates a protective filing date – which is used to determine when an individual can start receiving SSI benefits – as long as the SSI application is submitted within 60 days.
An individual only needs to provide basic information to make the online request. After the individual submits the request, SSA will schedule an appointment to apply for benefits, which will take place over the phone, and let the individual know of the appointment date within 14 business days. “Priority life circumstances” – such as homelessness, a terminal illness, or recent release from incarceration – can be indicated in the application. If one of these priority life circumstances is indicated in the application, an SSA employee will attempt to contact the applicant by phone within three business days to either apply for SSI benefits then or to schedule an appointment to apply.
More detailed policy guidance about the online tool can be found in EM-22015 (https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/reference.nsf/lnx/03182022081215AM)
The above information is a message from the Administration for Community Living.
Find more information at ACL.gov or by visiting the Social Security Administration at ssa.gov
