Training & Foundations
What is the purpose of the Function Report (SSA-3373)?
Which form does a third party complete to describe how the claimant functions day to day?
True or False: The Work History Report (SSA-3369) asks the client to explain medical conditions.
A claimant says they can no longer cook, clean, or bathe themselves without help. Which form would capture this?
Why does SSA require both the Function Report and the Work History Report together in disability claims?
Q1. What is the purpose of the Function Report (SSA-3373)?
➡️ To explain how a claimant functions day-to-day with their disabling condition(s).
Q2. Which form does a third party complete to describe how the claimant functions day to day?
➡️ SSA-3380 (Third Party Function Report).
Q3. True or False: The Work History Report (SSA-3369) asks the client to explain medical conditions.
➡️ False – it only asks about the jobs they performed in the past 5 years.
Q4. A claimant says they can no longer cook, clean, or bathe themselves without help. Which form would capture this?
➡️ SSA-3373 (Function Report).
Q5. Why does SSA require both the Function Report and the Work History Report together in disability claims?
➡️ The FR shows daily limitations, while the WH shows past job duties → together they help SSA decide if the claimant can still work.
1. Question: What is the primary purpose of the Work Track system in SSA operations?
Answer: Work Track is used to receive faxes and other documents sent to SSA field offices. If a fax does not appear in Work Track, it means it was not received. A field office representative must manually assign the documents from Work Track to the claim specialist in E-View.
1. Why is it important to ensure the 1696/Fee Agreement is in E-View?
SSA, DDS, and the Hearing Office will not provide case information unless the 1696/Fee Agreement is in E-View. Work Track alone is not sufficient for accessing case details.
Q6. What does AOD stand for, and why is it important in a disability case?
Q7. What is the difference between SSI (T16) and SSDIB (T2)?
Q8. If a note says “FO requested MR update,” what does this mean?
Q9. What does SGA stand for, and how does it affect a client’s eligibility?
Q10. Which abbreviation refers to when a claimant has passed away, and a substitute party is needed?
➡️ Alleged Onset Date – the date the claimant says they became unable to work full-time. Determines when disability may start.
➡️ SSI (T16) = need-based for people with little income/resources.
➡️ SSDIB (T2) = based on work history and Social Security contributions.
➡️ The Field Office asked for updated Medical Records.
➡️ Substantial Gainful Activity – if a claimant earns above this set monthly amount, they are usually not eligible for disability benefits.
➡️ SOP – Substitution of Party.
2. Question: Why is it important to ensure that the 1696/Fee Agreement is uploaded to E-View?
Answer: SSA, DDS, or the Hearing Office will not provide information on a client’s case until the 1696/Fee Agreement is in E-View. Even if it’s in Work Track, E-View is required for official access and processing.
What type of information can be accessed through the ERE system?
ERE provides access to client documents, including medical records, Function Reports (SSA-3373), Work History Reports (SSA-3369), earning reports, notices from DDS, CE appointment letters, application dates, alleged onset date (AOD), case level, claim type, and Date Last Insured (DLI).
Q11. Which form gives SSA permission to request medical records directly from providers?
Q12. What is the SSA-1696, and why must it be filed in every case?.
Q13. A client worked while disabled but was self-employed. Which form do we use?
Q14. A client’s case was denied, and we need to appeal. Which two forms could be required?
Q15. What is the difference between the SSA-3373 (Function Report) and the SSA-3380 (Third Party Function Report)?
➡️ SSA-827 (Medical Authorization).
➡️ It is the Appointment of Representative form – it authorizes KD as the claimant’s representative
➡️ SSA-820 (Work Activity Report – Self-Employed).
➡️ SSA-561 (Request for Reconsideration) and/or SSA-3441 (Disability Report – Appeals).
➡️ SSA-3373 – completed by the claimant.
➡️ SSA-3380 – completed by someone who knows the claimant (family, friend, etc.).
3. Question: What kind of information can a Case Manager access through the ERE system?
Answer: ERE (Electronic Records Express) provides online access to a client’s Social Security documents, including medical records, Function Reports (SSA-3373), Work History Reports (SSA-3369), earning reports, notices from DDS, CE appointment letters, application dates, alleged onset date (AOD), case level, claim type, and Date Last Insured (DLI).
When should a CM1 use the “CM1 Update Attempt” fact type in Salesforce?
Answer: It is used when the CM1 is unable to provide updated information to the client, such as when the client fails to answer (FTR), hangs up, is unavailable, or when speaking with a third-party contact. Detailed notes must be logged under Facts Description.
Q1. What is “back pay” in the context of Social Security disability claims?
Q2. How do retroactive benefits differ from back pay, and who qualifies for them?
Q3. Describe the main stages of a disability claim where back pay might be involved.
➡️ Back pay refers to past-due benefits, payments for the period a claimant was medically qualified for disability but had not yet been approved to collect benefits.
➡️ Retroactive benefits are SSDI-only payments issued for the period before the application was filed (up to 12 months prior) but after the individual became eligible. SSI does not offer retroactive benefits.
Initial Application – first filing of the claim
Reconsideration – appeal if initially denied
Hearing – appeal in front of an Administrative Law Judge
Appeals Council – optional review if denied at Hearing
Federal District Court – if Appeals Council decision is disputed (client files independently)
4. Question: In Salesforce, what is the purpose of the “Checklist” tab for a Matter?
Answer: The Checklist tab allows the Case Manager to view all completed or pending tasks for a Matter. It is used to manage task status by marking tasks as “In Progress” or “Completed” and ensures that all required actions for the client’s case are properly tracked and updated.
What is the preferred method to submit new medical provider information to DDS for a client—phone, ERE upload, or fax?
A1: The preferred method is ERE (Electronic Records Express) upload. This ensures the information is logged, tracked, and directly associated with the client’s record. Phone or fax submissions are less reliable because they may not be automatically logged in the system.
Q3. How are back pay payments typically issued for SSI and SSDI?
Q4. What is the maximum fee KD can collect from past-due benefits according to the Fee Agreement (SSA-1693)?
➡️ For SSDI, retroactive benefits and back pay are usually issued in one lump sum. For SSI, if back pay exceeds ~$2,000, it is usually split into three installments over six months unless expedited due to urgent need.
➡️ The lesser of 25% of any past-due benefits awarded or $9,200.
5. Question: When should a CM1 use the “CM1 Update Attempt” fact type?
Answer: A CM1 uses the “CM1 Update Attempt” fact when they are unable to provide updated information to the client. This includes scenarios such as the client failing to answer (FTR), hanging up, being unavailable, or speaking to a third-party contact. Detailed notes of the interaction must be logged in Salesforce under Facts Description.
Q2: What details and documents are required when uploading medical information to ERE to ensure it’s properly logged and tracked?
When uploading to ERE, you should include:
Client’s identifying information – full name, date of birth, Social Security number, and claim number if available.
Medical provider details – name, address, phone number, and specialty.