Expanding SSI Access: Navigating the Appeals Process

How can decision makers and other partners better support families of children with disabilities in accessing Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, given that SSI is a critical tool to support financial security and health?

SSI is a cash benefit program for individuals — both children and adults — who have a qualifying disability and meet income, asset, and immigration status requirements. The SSI appeals process provides an opportunity for children and families who have received a less than fully favorable determination — based on non-disability (e.g., citizenship, income, resources) or disability factors — to appeal their determination outcome.

ChangeLab Solutions has developed three fact sheets to help policymakers and other interested groups — including families of applicants as well as Social Security Administration officials at federal, state, and local levels — better understand the steps and timeline of the SSI appeals process:

• How to Expand Access to Supplemental Security Income (SSI) for Children with Disabilities: Navigating the Appeals Process
• SSI Appeals: A General Overview
• SSI Financial Eligibility & Appeals

The fact sheets also identify opportunities for policy changes that may facilitate more successful appeals among eligible individuals.