Obtaining Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) from the Social Security Administration (SSA) provides vital and life-saving income for individuals who are unable to work or are unable to work at a rate to earn a sustainable income. In addition to income, these benefits provide stable access to health insurance which allows people to access the necessary health care to treat their health conditions. People who are homeless have extremely high prevalence of disabling conditions and the staff and providers who work with them are in a unique position to support the individual in the process of obtaining these benefits.
Staff and providers who work at health centers, especially those who serve people who are homeless, are uniquely positioned to support individuals as they complete the SSI/SSDI application process. This publication provides tips for ways health center staff and providers who are working with someone applying for disability benefits can support their application.
