Training & Foundations
What is the purpose of the Function Report (SSA-3373)?
. What is the purpose of the Function Report (SSA-3373)?
➡️ To explain how a claimant functions day-to-day with their disabling condition(s).
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.
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.
What does AOD stand for, and why is it important in a disability case?
➡️ Alleged Onset Date – the date the claimant says they became unable to work full-time. Determines when disability may start.
What does it mean when a claimant’s case is placed on a “Medical Hold”?
It means the DDS doctor believes the claimant’s condition may improve or wants to see how they respond to treatment. The case is paused for 1–3 months, during which no action is taken. Once the hold ends, DDS will request updated medical records before making a determination.
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).
Which form gives SSA permission to request medical records directly from providers?
➡️ SSA-827 (Medical Authorization).
A claimant says they already gave their doctor’s records, so they don’t think they need to fill out the Function Report. How would you explain why it’s still required?
I would explain that the Function Report provides information that medical records alone cannot—such as how the claimant’s condition affects their daily activities, pain levels, and limitations. DDS uses both the doctor’s records and the Function Report to get a full picture of the claimant’s ability to work.
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.
What is “back pay” in the context of Social Security disability claims?
How do retroactive benefits differ from back pay, and who qualifies for them?
➡️ 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.
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.
How are back pay payments typically issued for SSI and SSDI?
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.
Can you explain what happens after the Field Office (FO) receives a client’s application?
Once the application is on file with the Field Office, they send the client several important documents along with a return envelope. These include the SSA-8240 (authorization to obtain wage and employment info), the SSA-827 (medical release), and the Application Summary (attestation of the non-medical information provided). The client normally has 30 days to complete and return these forms. The signed Application Summary is the most critical document, and no witness is required. After the FO receives the documents back, they forward the case to DDS for the medical decision-making process.
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.
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