If you have made it to the PERC appointment, congratulations! It means you received your medical approval for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) disability benefits.
Now, before benefits go into effect, SSA will perform a review of your non-medical information, formally known as a Pre-Effectuation Review Contact (PERC) appointment. This is the final step between being medically approved for SSI and actually receiving benefits.
At Mindset, we believe in empowering our clients with knowledge, so let’s break down what PERC appointments are and why they’re important in your disability benefits process.
A PERC appointment is a financial review conducted by the Social Security Administration (SSA) after your SSI claim has been medically approved. SSI is a needs-based program, meaning it’s not just about having a disability but also about meeting specific financial criteria. The PERC appointment serves as a final checkpoint to ensure that applicants still meet these financial requirements before benefits begin.
PERC appointments are for potential SSI recipients and for some concurrent claims, which is if you are applying for both SSI and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), but not for SSDI-only claims.
The primary purpose of a PERC appointment is to:
Verify your current financial situation
Update any changes in your living arrangements or marital status
Confirm your eligibility for SSI benefits
Determine the amount of your monthly benefits
This process helps the SSA make sure they have the most current information about your circumstances before finalizing your benefits, double-checking that everything is in order and reflects your present situation accurately.
The PERC appointment is crucial as it’s the final step before monthly payments for your SSI disability benefits can actually begin. Without this conversation, your benefits remain in limbo, making it an essential bridge between approval and receiving assistance. This is why responding to a notice from the SSA about scheduling a PERC appointment matters – you are almost there!
To ensure a smooth process, gather the following documents:
Bank statements
Proof of income (if any)
Rent or mortgage information
Utility bills
Information about any assets you own
Letters from SSA
Whether your appointment is held in person or over the phone is determined by the process of your local Field Office.
Having a knowledgeable advocate like Mindset by your side can make the PERC process easier. They can:
Help you prepare the necessary documentation
Explain what to expect during the appointment
Advocate on your behalf if any issues arise
Mindset streamlines the disability benefits process for you or your loved one with a disability that significantly impairs your ability to work.
