Phone Interviews for Online SSI Applications During COVID-19: What to Expect Explained by Our Social Security Disability Lawyers
The novel coronavirus known as COVID-19 has impacted virtually every type of government agency, especially the Social Security Administration (SSA). Due to the pandemic, the SSA has closed all field offices and hearing locations to the general public. Other governments, state, and local COVID-19 restrictions have also cut staffing levels, including unexpected cuts due to mandatory quarantine regulations for exposures or illnesses. This office was already impacted by a high volume of applicants coupled with budget cuts and staffing constraints. Our social security disability lawyers at Silver & Silver know it can be frustrating for those who have become disabled due to or during the pandemic, as well as for others who have reached the age required to apply for supplemental security income (SSI).
Fortunately, the SSA has adopted remote or virtual interviews or proceedings. Not only does this help prevent the spread of COVID-19 and keep applicants safe, but it also eases the burdens that many individuals may have in getting to field offices, attending hearings, and otherwise interacting with the SSA.
Phone Interviews Required for Online SSI Applicants
Individuals seeking SSI through an online application generally must have a phone interview or had the option of appearing at a field office. Instead of offering the option to appear at a field office, the SSA is conducting only phone interviews for disability claimants and applicants. This means an online SSI applicant during COVID-19 can remain at home for a phone interview and still have help with a family member or advocate like a social security disability attorney.
The phone interviews will function as they did before the pandemic, however, there may be an increased waiting time to get an interview date. SSI applicants still need to be prepared, if not more prepared than pre-pandemic, because if further documentation or evidence is needed it could be a longer-than-usual time to get a follow-up phone interview scheduled.
What You Need for Your Phone Interview of Online SSI Applications
Although the pandemic has caused some issues regarding the SSA and applicants, the requirements needed for SSI applications still remain the same. According to the SSA website on guidance, you will need the following documents for your SSI disability interview:
When your conditions became disabling:
- Dates you last worked
- Your doctor’s names, address, phone numbers, and dates of visits
- Names of medications you take
- Names of medical tests you’ve had
- Marital information
- Your current living arrangements, including who lives there and the monthly household expenses
- All sources of income for you
- All sources of income for your spouse
- Amount of your resources, including bank account balances, vehicles, and other investments, and
- Other relevant questions from the examiner/interviewer.
Preparation is Still Key for Your SSI Phone Interview
With staffing and time constraints, it is likely that an SSA interviewer will start the SSI interview in a quick and efficient manner trying to get exactly what he or she needs to determine or confirm your eligibility. This leaves you little time to correct an error. You need to know your application and medical history very well to be able to explain it quickly and sufficiently during the phone interview because you may not get much time to correct an omission or mistake.
This is why preparation is key. While you can handle an SSI application without a social security disability lawyer, for most people the better choice is to always consult with an experienced law firm like Silver & Silver to ensure that your rights to disability benefits are protected. We have over 30 years of experience representing applicants throughout Pennsylvania. Learn how we can handle your claim by dialing 610-638-7255 or send us a secure message on our website here.
