Social Security and Disability Determination Updates

Good afternoon, SOAR Superstars! I want to start this update by saying thank you. I have been amazed by the work of this incredible community over the last several months. You have continued to show up for a job that was difficult prior to COVID, but has only continued to encounter significant challenges with pandemic-related changes. You have done INCREDIBLE work for your clients and community. You are continue making a huge difference. Thank you for your continued commitment.

Here are several updates from SSA and DDS:

All SSA local offices have reopened, with the exception of the Petersburg Office. This means that reinstatement, replacement social security card, and benefit statement requests can be done in person again. Please consider this option to be the most expedited way to achieve these requests and consider implementing pre-COVID practices for obtaining this documentation, if you have not already.

Both SSA and DDS are experiencing significant staffing issues. In our partners meeting last week, both agencies advised that staffing shortages have only decreased as they have returned to in-person services. When you reach out to your local office via phone, you may have longer hold times. Similarly, DDS Consultative Exam (CE) requests are also delayed. As of last week, this is the timeline for CE requests:

Physical CE exams (in-person): 15-25 days

Mental Health CE exams (in-person): 35-60 days

Mental Health CE exams (virtual): 5-6 days

Please prepare your clients for claims processing to continue to take longer than pre-COVID times. Right now, our OAT data shows processing is taking a bit over 4 months for most of the state. My experience with processing has our time leaning more toward 5-6 months. For continued perspective, however, SSA/DDS has cleared 33,000 claims since October and have another 22,000 currently pending. Please make sure you communicate this expectation to clients and colleagues prior to starting the SOAR process. And remember to be patient and gracious with both SSA and DDS as they continue to prioritize and assist our population in the midst of such difficult times.

Finally, OAT data collection is upon us! Final numbers will be in OAT by the end of June. Please make sure that you have (a) signed up for OAT, (b) entered all current claims and (c) updated any pending claims. Do not wait until the last minute to input data because late submissions will jeopardize your ability to process claims. Remember that OAT is required to remain SOAR certified in our state. Please reach out to your Local Lead or myself with any questions. If you need assistance navigating SOAR, the SAMHSA TA Center has excellent resources available here.

I look forward to seeing you in meetings this month. As always, please reach out to your Local Leads or myself directly with any questions! Thank you for your continued commitment to our clients.