COVID-19 — True Self Healing

For safety reasons, all services that are normally offered in-person at this practice are currently being offered virtually, through video and telephone, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Helpful tips for COVID-19 related support

(This information is valid as of 4/10/2020, and may change. Please contact the organization directly for more information.)

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) & Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI):

You can apply for both SSI and SSDI at once and the Social Security Administration will determine what you qualify for and people can qualify for both. The Social Security Administration also coordinates with NC Medicaid. The Buncombe County Medicaid office stated you may apply to ePASS/Medicaid separately as it only takes 1-2 days for a response.

Here is the link to Medicaid/Assistance-Food Stamps (ePASS): https://www.buncombecounty.org/Governing/Depts/PublicAssistance/ePASS.aspx

Due to the coronavirus the local Social Security Administration offices are currently closed for appointments and the phone message says that they are only taking urgent calls, but they are placing outgoing calls when needed. This may change over time. Please call the main Social Security Administration number at 1-800-772-1213 or The Asheville Social Security office at 866-572-8361 for current updates. Currently, the only way to apply is online and then staff from the Social Security office will call you if they have questions on your application.

Link to Apply to SSI & SSDI:

Apply for both SSI and SSDI in the middle of the page is a blue, “Apply Online for SSI and Disability Benefits”, button: https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/ssi/

The attached checklist is directly from this application and will help prepare to fill out the application. It may take some time to prepare what is needed on the checklist. After the checklist is complete, it should take 1-2 hours to fill out the on-line application. According to the website, you may save the application online and come back to it while working on it. Once the on-line application has been submitted, the Social Security Administration will respond in 1-2 months. Given the current coronavirus situation this could take longer.

SSI & SSDI Appeals:

Pisgah Legal Services
Main #: 800-489-6144
https://www.pisgahlegal.org/free-legal-assistance/government-benefits/

Pisgah Legal services is not able to assist with filling out and submitting initial applications during the coronavirus, but they state they are able to help assist with an appeal if benefits are denied. The appeal process can take from 8 to 18 months, given the current coronavirus situation this could take longer, please call Pisgah Legal Service directly for updates to this process and the associated time frames.

This information was compiled by Leslie Krasne, MA Candidate, Clinical Intern at True Self Healing Group Community Clinic.

33 Orange Street, Asheville, NC 28801