How to Prepare for Your SSI Phone Interview: Questions You’ll Need to Answer to Receive Benefits

Applying for disability benefits can be stressful for individuals who know they need that financial assistance. However, proper preparation for all phases of the process, including applying for Social Security disability benefits, can help take away some of the worry. This is especially true if the Social Security Administration (SSA) contacts you to schedule an SSI phone interview.

A normal part of the application process, this interview is set up to further assess eligibility for SSI benefits. Though it’s not always a requirement, if the SSA requests a call, then you have to comply. Failure to follow through with an SSI interview will affect whether or not your claim receives SSA approval.

​​High stakes like that are what cause many appli cants to dread their SSI interview. However, it doesn’t have to be such a worrisome event if you gather the right information. It also helps to know the kinds of questions you may need to answer ahead of time.

Keep reading to better understand what the SSA will be looking for during an SSI interview. The more you know, the better your chances of acing the call or meeting and getting the benefits you need.

Completing the SSI Disability Interview: Key Takeaways

• SSI interviews are a normal part of the disability application process. They may take place by phone, video, or in person.
• Because finances factor into SSI eligibility determinations, disability interviews are more common for SSI applicants.
• There are two types of SSI interviews: PERCs and redeterminations. Both will assess your financials and current medical condition.
• Preparation is the best way to make sure your SSI interview goes well. This may include gathering appropriate documents and practicing potential questions beforehand.
• Most SSI interviews will cover medical, financial, and work history details, including a detailed account of your employment history over the last 15 years, such as job duties and employer information.
• The best way to handle your SSI interview is to answer questions briefly and honestly. Interviewers will want to know how this relates to your inability to work.
• After your SSI disability interview, it may still take months before you receive a determination and any payments.
• Contacting a disability lawyer may be a smart move to help you navigate the entire disability process successfully.

What is the SSI Social Security Disability Interview?

SSI disability interviews are fact-finding missions by the SSA to determine an applicant’s eligibility for benefits. Typically effectuated by phone, video, or in person, these interviews are a way to verify medical history, financial history, and employment details. A claims representative will conduct the interview and will use the hour or so it lasts to gather more information.

Because this interview may affect your approval, the claims representative will also go over the information in your application. This step is to ensure that all the elements of your application are accurate.

The SSA doesn’t conduct interviews with all disability applicants, but in SSI cases, they’re frequently included. That’s because one of the qualifications for SSI is financial need. So, the SSA schedules SSI interviews to ascertain an applicant’s income and resources along with their disability.

Basic Info About Different Social Security Interviews

It’s important to differentiate between SSI interviews and disability hearings. With an interview, your application is still in process. A hearing comes into play if you receive a rejection of your claim and choose to appeal the decision.

That being said, there are two types of supplemental security income (SSI) interviews the SSA may request of individuals seeking these disability benefits.

Pre-Effectuation Review Contract

A “pre-effectuation review contract,” or PERC interview, comes into play for applicants who have new approval for SSI benefits. The purpose of a PERC interview is typically to make sure that you still meet the non-medical qualifications for SSI. 

PERCs usually take place about a month after an applicant receives approval of their disability claim. Think of it as the final step you have to take before the SSA will start paying you SSI benefits. 

During a PERC interview, an SSA claims rep will reevaluate your financial situation (income and assets). They will also likely want more information about your current living arrangements. 

The outcome of your PERC may determine your final SSI eligibility or benefit amount. Assuming you don’t have any major changes throughout your application process, however, it should go smoothly. 

SSI Redetermination Appointment

SSI recipients already receiving benefits for anywhere from one to six years may receive a notice for a redetermination appointment. This type of interview is basically how the SSA makes sure claimants still qualify for SSI benefits. It’s like a “case review.” 

During an SSI redetermination appointment, an SSA claims representative will document any changes to your case that could affect eligibility. They will also use the time to ensure you’re receiving the right amount of SSI benefits. 

A redetermination appointment doesn’t mean you’re losing your SSI benefits. However, it may affect their continuation if your financial situation or disability shows marked improvement/deterioration from your first valuation. 

What Documents Should I Bring to My SSI Interview or PERC Appointment?

Whether you have an SSI phone interview or an in-person meeting, the information you must provide will be the same. As such it’s smart to gather pertinent documentation prior to your SSI interview.

Because SSI disability benefits have a financial contingency, the SSA will require proof of income, assets, or other resources. Some things that you may need to bring include statements showing:

• Earned income. This means any wages, but also things like royalties, honoraria, and net self-employment. Think paystubs or annual tax forms.
• Unearned income. This includes payments like social security income, pensions, alimony, child support, unemployment benefits, interest and dividends. Cash from friends and family also fall in this category, which you must make a note of for the SSA. 
• In-kind income. This is food or shelter you get for less than market value or free. You may need to bring a copy of your lease or a rent receipt to your meeting as well. 
• Deemed income. The SSA will use part of the income from your spouse, parents, or another sponsor if you live with them. This will factor into your SSI calculations so you must be able to provide verification of their financial status. 

You may also need to bring statements showing your bank account balance, vehicle titles, and other investments. 

In addition to documentation supporting your financials, you’ll want to gather your medical records. Applicable documents to support your continuing disability may include:

• Hospital bills
• Treatment history
• Prescriptions
• Tests and lab results
• Doctor’s notes

The more recent your medical records, the better as you want to offer up-to-date proof of your disabling condition. 

Common SSI Disability Interview Questions and How to Answer Them

No matter the reason or type of SSI interview you undergo, the information the SSA rep seeks will be similar. As such it’s possible to anticipate some of the questions you may need to answer. After the interview, the representative will submit your claim to a disability claims examiner at the state office, and the determination may take several months.

At the beginning of your interview, you’ll usually need to field a bunch of demographic questions such as:

• What is your full legal name?
• Have you ever gone by any other names (i.e. maiden names and so on)?
• What is your Social Security number?
• When and where were you born?
• What was your assigned gender at birth?
• Are you a U.S. citizen? If not, what is your status?
• Where do you currently reside?
• Are you single? Married? Do you have children?

After that initial info, the majority of questions will likely center around financial, medical, and work history. Knowing what an SSA rep might ask will help you effectively prepare. With that knowledge, keep reading to discover the kinds of questions you may encounter in your SSI interview.

Medical Questions

Some of the questions in this section of your SSI interview will probably be just to verify your disabling condition. The SSA rep may ask you to confirm things you put on your application or check how you’re feeling now. Be ready to answer questions like:

• When did your condition start?
• What are your symptoms?
• What is your official diagnosis?
• What treatments have you undergone for this condition?
• How often do you see your doctor(s)?
• Have you needed hospitalization for this condition?
• Are you on any regular medications or prescriptions?
• How does this condition affect your daily activities and ability to work?

Remember to answer all questions truthfully, and when you can refer to your medical documents for corroboration. 

Financial Questions

These questions will definitely come up for SSI applicants. That’s because the more countable income you have, the less your SSI payment will be. Because having limited resources and assets is part of the qualifying criteria for SSI, applicants should expect financial questions like:

• What are your income sources?
• If you’re married, what is your spouse’s income?
• What is your current living situation?
• Do you live alone? With roommates? With family?
• Do you own your home? Do you own any other properties?
• Do you own a vehicle or multiple vehicles?
• Do you receive any other benefits like VA, retirement, or workers’ comp? If so, how much are they?
• What is your current bank account balance?

The calculation for an individual’s SSI amount can be a tad complicated, but all the above questions may factor in. As such, you must answer honestly but also recognize that your responses may affect your SSI disability payment. 

Work History Questions

The SSA rep will ask about your work history. This is to assess eligibility for programs like Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) along with SSI. They’re also asking these questions to determine how your disability may affect your ability to work in your previous job. 

Questions you should expect in this area of your SSI interview include:

• What is your work history for the last 15 years?
• What types of activities does your job require?
• Who are your former employers? 
• What is their contact information?
• How long have you been out of work?
• Did you receive workers’ compensation for this condition?

You can see from the above questions why it’s helpful to gather your documents before you have an SSI phone interview. Otherwise, you may find yourself scrambling to produce the right information. It’s better to appear calm and well-prepared when chatting with the SSA rep. 

How to Prepare For Your Interview

If you’re facing an impending SSI interview, it can feel a little daunting. The thing to remember is that if your claim is legitimate, all you have to do is answer honestly. Though the system can sometimes feel overwhelming, the SSA does want to award benefits to those who qualify. 

To take some of the edge off, however, it’s smart to think things through prior to your SSI interview.  

Before the Interview

A claims representative will review your case before conducting an interview, so you should do the same. Read over your SSI disability application again so you remember exactly what you put on the form. 

The SSA rep will likely ask questions based on your answers in your application. If you are able to readily confirm that info during your interview, it will build credibility. Consistent answers will make the process go smoother.

Also consider organizing your supporting documents by category: medical, financial, and work history. That way you’ll have that information at your fingertips if you need to offer any clarifications during the SSI interview. 

Finally, fully charge your phone before the interview or test your video call system in advance. You don’t want a tech glitch to derail your SSI interview. 

During the Interview

First of all, set the scene. Find a quiet place to take the call where there won’t be distractions. It’s better to conduct an SSI interview in private and not in a public space.

The best thing you can do during your interview is to offer detailed answers and be honest. If the SSA finds out you’re lying, they could rescind your benefits or even make you pay them back. 

Don’t over-exaggerate your symptoms, or underplay them, and keep your answers short. You want to offer correct information but don’t drone on about your condition. 

If you’re nervous, take a breath before answering and collect your thoughts. Also, don’t be afraid to ask the caller to repeat questions or give clarifications. 

Remember, you’re just helping the SSA rep confirm your information and collect additional details. As long as you’re giving them the answers they seek, you’re doing your part. 

After the Interview

Immediately following your interview, congratulate yourself for taking another step towards getting the benefits you need. 

Then if the SSA rep has made any requests for you to submit additional documents, make sure you make a note. Start gathering those additional records as soon as possible to help expedite your claim’s processing. 

Finally, be patient. The entire disability application process can take time. It may be months before you have a final determination on your claim. 

What Happens After Your SSI Interview?

As soon as you complete your SSI interview, the SSA will review your non-medical eligibility. Disability Determination Services (DDS) will also need to sign off on your disabled status. 

During this time the DDS may ask you to attend additional medical examinations with an independent healthcare provider. If this request comes up, once again you must comply or you’ll risk forfeiting any benefits. 

All of these steps take time, but they’re in place to make sure people are honest with their claims. No one is trying to trick you if you’re truly dealing with a disability. The goal is to make sure you get the disability benefits that most clearly reflect your medical and financial situation. 

Usually, within six months of applying for disability benefits, you’ll receive a determination letter from the SSA. This will detail your acceptance or denial, benefit amount, and any back pay you’ll receive. If the SSA denies your claim, you’ll also receive that information so you can decide if appealing makes sense. 

Knowing the importance of your SSI interview and these other steps, it’s wise to obtain legal counsel to help you prepare. A skilled disability attorney can guide you. Not only with what to say in a disability interview but in how to navigate all phases of the process. 

Don’t take chances with your benefits when help is readily available to make sure you get what you need!