We are pleased to present the D.C. Bar Pro Bono Program’s new training video: “Representing Your SSI/SSDI Client on Appeal,” co-sponsored by The Legal Aid Society of D.C., Washington Legal Clinic for the Homeless and Whitman-Walker Clinic, with financial support from the D.C. Bar Health Law Section.

This 2-hour tutorial is posted on www.probono.net/dc/benefits. You must be a member of the practice area to view the video, which is in the Social Security Disability Programs folder of the Library. Any legal services or pro bono attorney is eligible for a free membership. To register, go to http://www.probono.net/dc/benefits and click “Join this Area.” Your application will be approved within 1 business day.

The table of contents for the video includes:

Introduction

Chapter 1: SSI & SSDI Overview: Eligibility, Sequential Evaluation, and Summary of Benefits

Chapter 2: Overview of the Application & Appeals Process

Chapter 3: Handling Cases & Advocacy Practice
3a. Interviewing Your Client
3b. Developing the Medical Evidence
3c. Writing the Brief
3d. Presenting Your Client's Case
3e. The Medical-Vocational Guidelines
3f. Miscellaneous Eligibility Issues 

Chapter 4: Mock Hearing (Vocational Expert)

Closing Remarks and Resources

The supporting documents include:
SSA Best Practices
Local SSA Contact Information 2010
ODAR Logistics Sheet
Appointment of Representative Form
ALJ Hearing Form
Physical Records Release Form
Mental Health Records Release Form
Psychiatric Review Technique
Residual Physical Functional Capacity Assessment
Mental Residual Functional Capacity Assessment
Important Links

Thanks so much to Erin Loubier, Scott McNeilly, Jennifer Mezey and my colleague Sabrina Wear for their incredible work on this project. We hope this will provide tremendous support for all your good work in representing your SSI/SSDI client on appeal.