Referrals to SSI Advocacy

Referrals to SSI Advocacy are completed through the DEBS Referral Application for unemployable clients who are disabled for 12 months or more. The EW must complete all appropriate fields in the referral app in addition to adding the client's current address in the "notes" section. A secure email will generate through the referral app and will allow the EW to attach the SCD 1400 and any additional documents that may be necessary. 

Requirements for a Complete Referral

EWs must ensure the following before sending a referral to SSI Advocacy:

  1. The SCD 1400 is completed in its entirety - there should not be any blank or unanswered questions unless it is question #4 which should only be answered if the client is employable. Page 2 of the SCD 1400 requires the client's signature.

    1. Important: If an incomplete SCD 1400 is received, provide the client with a new, blank SCD 1400 (or if only page 2 is missing, have them sign page 2) - this is to prevent fraudulent answers from being filled in on the existing form by someone other than the doctor. Clients must be informed that they cannot be referred to SSI Advocacy until all parts of the form are completed by the doctor with no unanswered questions (exception is #4) and that they are required to apply for SSI in order to continue receiving GA. Add a CalSAWS journal entry explaining the actions taken.

  2. The SCD 1400 indicates one of the following:
    1. Permanent disability
    2. Disability has lasted or is expected to last 12 months or more

      1. Reminder: This includes an SCD 1400 that shows less than 12 months, but combined with previous SCD 1400s equals 12 months or more. EWs must leave a note in the referral app explaining the cumulative duration of the SCD 1400s.

 

Important: CalSAWS journal entries must explain why a referral was sent or not sent to SSI Advocacy and any follow up actions that the client needs to take.

 

SSI Advocacy Communication

  • The SW Supervisor will add a CalSAWS journal entry when a referral has been closed including the reason it was closed.
  • The SW will add a CalSAWS journal entry when an assigned case has been closed including the reason it was closed.
  • The SW will request for SSI Advocacy Clerical to create a CalSAWS task if they determine EW follow-up action is necessary (e.g. a new SSP 14 is needed, the client's contact info needs to be updated, the client is non-compliant with SSI Advocacy, etc.).