6660. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Retirement, Survivors, and Disability Insurance (RSDI) Benefits for Children in Out-of-Home Placements

Original Date: September 27, 1995

Revised Date: October 31, 2019

Sunset Review Date: October 31, 2023

Approved by: Nicole Rose, Director of Eligibility and Provider Supports

Purpose

To provide guidance to the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) employees on assessing children placed in out-of-home care for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Retirement, Survivors, and Disability Insurance (RSDI) received from the Social Security Administration (SSA).

Scope

This policy applies to DCYF child welfare and Eligibility and Provider Supports Division SSI and federal funding employees.

Laws

RCW 74.13.031 Duties of Department – Child Welfare Services – Children’s Services Advisory Committee

RCW 74.13.060 Secretary as Custodian of Funds of Person Placed with Department or its Agent – Authority – Limitations – Termination

20 CFR 416  Supplemental Security Income for the Aged, Blind, and Disabled

Policy

  1. Caseworkers must:
    Refer all children who meet one of the following criteria to local SSI facilitators, when they:
    1. Currently receive SSI or SSA benefits.
    2. Have a deceased, retired, or disabled parent or legal guardian.
    3. Have a positive toxicology screen or are drug affected.
    4. Have a suspected delay or disability.
    5. Are diagnosed with any of the following:
      1. Fetal Alcohol Syndrome or related disorders
      2. Borderline Intellectual Functioning
      3. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
      4. Behavioral or emotional problems
      5. Cerebral Palsy
      6. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
      7. Low birth weight
      8. Failure to thrive
      9. Medically fragile
      10. Down Syndrome
    6. Are in a behavior rehabilitation services (BRS) or an exceptional high cost placement.
    7. Are blind or deaf.
    8. Receive special education services, for example, an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 Plan.
    9. Use crutches or a wheelchair.
    10. Have impairments with daily functioning.
  2. SSI facilitators must:
    1. Assess all children and youth in out-of-home placement in FamLink to determine if they are eligible for SSI or SSA benefits.
    2. Complete and submit the:
      1. SSI application packet for children who meet the eligibility criteria, per the SSI Desk Guide.
      2. Payee Change Application packet for children receiving SSI or SSA benefits when a child is placed in out-of-home care, per the SSI Guide.
    3. Report all changes in circumstances regarding placement, resources, or income to the payer for SSA, Veteran Administration (VA), Railroad Benefits, Crime Victims Compensation and Labor and Industry claims.
    4. Coordinate relevant financial and placement information with the DCYF Headquarters (HQ) SSI and Trust Fund Unit.
  3. HQ SSI program managers must:
    1. Review initial SSI application packets for completeness.
    2. Re-examine denied applications from SSA to determine if an appeal needs to be filed. This includes, but not limited to:
      1. Reviewing and gathering additional documentation, when necessary.
      2. Resubmitting the appeal to SSA for reconsideration.
      3. Attending hearings to represent children and youth at administrative hearings.

Resources

SSI Desk Guide (located on the DCYF CA intranet)