This series of videos was created (updated 01/2026)to assist resettlement agency caseworkers and other social service providers in applying for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) disability benefits for their refugee clients as well as others with similar immigration status that qualify for SSI. The process for applying for these benefits can be long and complicated. These videos break down the SSI application process into detailed steps while providing caseworkers with refugee-specific tips for a successful application. These videos are provided by Bayle Conrad, Program Coordinator at Harborview Medical Center, who led a refugee health program at a local resettlement agency for several years and submitted dozens of SSI disability applications on behalf of newly arrived clients.
ONE:
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Eligibility and Starting an Application, 2026
This presentation goes through eligibility considerations for SSI benefits based on age/disability as well as instructions on how to start an application. Viewers will come away with tools to assist in determining whether a client qualifies for SSI benefits and tips on how to begin the application.
TWO:
Completing the Online Disability Application, 2026
This presentation takes a deep dive into the online disability application, including how to access this on the Social Security website, the importance of completing this document before the SSI interview, and a thorough overview of the application questions themselves. Viewers will come away with insights for completing this document with specific considerations for refugee clients.
THREE:
Preparing a Client for the SSI Interview, 2026
This presentation provides caseworkers with tips for preparing their client for an SSI interview, including documents to collect and submit on a client’s behalf as well as ways to mitigate potential anxiety about the interview itself. Caseworkers will leave this presentation with specific follow up documents to present to SSI once an interview has been completed.
FOUR:
Becoming an Authorized Representative, 2026
This presentation details the importance of becoming an authorized representative in order to follow up closely with a client’s SSI claim. It also goes through the authorized representative paperwork and how to complete it. Viewers will end the presentation with tips for how to best utilize their authorized representative status to support client claims.
FIVE:
Post-SSI Interview: Tips for Follow Up, 2026
One of the most confusing parts of the SSI application process is knowing whether you have submitted all necessary information. This presentation summarizes the steps caseworkers can take in the post-interview period to ensure their client’s SSI claim is as strong as possible.
SIX:
DDS Process and Adult Function Report, 2026
This presentation details how the Social Security Administration works with Disability Determination Services (DDS) to come to a decision on an SSI claim. In this presentation, caseworkers will gain an understanding of the role DDS plays in the SSI process as well as a detailed overview of how to successfully fill out the Adult/Child Function Report with special considerations for working with refugee clients.
SEVEN:
SSI Approvals, Denials, and the Appeals Process, 2026
The final presentation in this series goes in-depth to discuss all possible outcomes of an SSI decision: approvals, denials, and how to appeal. Refugees and other new arrivals may have unique circumstances causing unnecessary denials, and this presentation goes in depth to discuss these circumstances and how to successfully appeal.