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Individuals who are differently-abled may qualify for state and federal resources and benefits. Some public benefits, like SSI (Supplemental Security Income) or SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance), require that a patient fall under the SSA (Social Security Administration) definition of disability in order to qualify. Other benefits, however, simply require that a health professional considers the patient to have a disability in a broader sense. Several of the resources included here ask a professional to label a patient’s “disability” and explain this diagnosis. It is important to note that when this happens, there is an inherent pathologization of “disability”, which is part of a larger historical framework that has been occurring since welfare reform practices in the US. In many instances, the label of “disability” is used by medical providers to help individuals access resources in a social services climate that is bureaucratic and does not often grant eligibility. Nonetheless, it is important to recognize this history and the impact and stigmatization of the language we use.

The U.S. government defines disability based on individuals who have successfully applied for and received disability benefits (such as SSI or SSDI) from the Social Security Administration (SSA). However, inadequate documentation by healthcare providers often leads to many qualified individuals being denied these benefits. For example, a patient with severe anxiety and alcohol use disorder may have their medical record solely focused on alcohol use, disregarding the significant dual diagnosis of anxiety driving their condition. Consequently, the SSA assumes the lack of meaningful work is solely due to alcohol, resulting in benefits denial. At Docs for Health, our central goal is to empower health professionals to leverage the potential of medical documentation. Thoughtful documentation not only unlocks valuable social resources like disability benefits (SSI/SSDI), but also opens doors to additional support and resources beyond income stability. Health professionals possess the unique ability to classify individuals as disabled, granting them access to crucial support services. It is vital for health professionals to understand this power, its applicability, and how to effectively utilize it for the benefit of their patients.

This page offers an extensive collection of tools designed to assist you in accessing vital support for addressing the social needs of patients in Rhode Island and beyond. Whether you require specific forms mandated by community resources, government agencies, and social services, or customizable letter templates that are collaboratively drafted by health professionals and lawyers, we have everything you need. By providing both categories of tools, we ensure comprehensive coverage of the key pathways to effectively meet the social needs of your patients.

After completing a form or letter, please follow the instructions listed in the “Next steps” section. Sometimes, you will be able to fax or email the document. Other times, you will need to ask your patient to bring a paper copy directly to the appropriate person.