Product Description

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 non-disability 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 post-entitlement 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.

ABOUT BASIC PUBLIC BENEFITS ADVOCACY TRAININGS

MCLE and Massachusetts Law Reform Institute (MLRI) collaborate annually with a training series designed for both community-based organizations and public/private sector legal advocates who assist low income Massachusetts residents. The training series covers the nuts and bolts of federal and state public benefits, tax credits, tenant and utilities rights and more.

Agenda & Materials

• 9:30am - 9:50am

  Overview of SSI and SSDI

  Linda L. Landry, Esq., Disability Law Center, Inc. , Boston
  Svetlana Uimenkova, Esq., Disability Law Center, Inc. , Boston
  
• 9:50am - 10:50am

  SSI Non-Disability Eligibility: SSI Financial Eligibility and Non-Citizen Eligibility

  Panel
  
• 10:50am - 11:20am

  Disability Eligibility: Adults and Children

  Panel
  
• 11:20am - 11:30am

  Break
• 11:30am - 12:00pm

  Proving Disability

  Panel
  
• 12:00pm - 12:20pm

  Applications and Appeals

  Panel
  
• 12:20pm - 12:30pm

  "Ask the Experts" Q&A Session and Key Takeaways

  Panel
  
• 12:30pm - 1:30pm

  Lunch (on your own)

  Panel
  
• 1:30pm - 2:00pm

  New In-Kind Income Rules

  Panel
  
• 2:00pm - 2:30pm

  Rules of Representation

  Panel
  
• 2:30pm - 2:40pm

  Break
• 2:40pm - 3:10pm

  SSI and SSDI Work Incentives

  Panel
  
• 3:10pm - 3:50pm

  Overpayments

  Panel
  
• 3:50pm - 4:00pm

  "Ask the Experts" Q&A Session and Key Takeaways

  Panel
  

Please Note

MCLE webcasts are delivered completely online, underscoring their convenience and appeal. There are no published print materials. All written materials are available electronically only. They are posted 24 hours prior to the program and can be accessed, downloaded, or printed from your computer.

Cochairs