FAQ
Here are the answers to some Frequently Asked Questions
1.) What is MHSG?
MHSG or the Miller Henry Service Group is an organization committed to helping those most in need. We help people who are disabled file for Social Security Benefits. We specialize in helping people who are without a home and work closely with several DFW area homeless shelters to try and make a difference in peoples lives.
2.)How do you refer someone to MHSG?
Simply give us a call, text or email and tell us a little bit about the client and their situation.
3.) How does MHSG charge for it's services
Our goal first and foremost is to help as many people as we can. MHSG is a good will company, meaning we only charge a fee if we successfully get our client's claim approved by the Social Security Administration.
4.) How long does filing take?
Currently, the initial claims process is slow. On average it takes about 6 months (even though clients are often told by the Social Security Administration's claims representative that they will hear something within 120 days.) It has been our experience that DDS or Disability Determination Services is running 6-8 months behind, meaning that from the time we submit the claim through the online claim input system it has taken up to 6-8 months just for the claim to even be assigned to an examiner.
5.) What is the NCP or New Client Packet
The MHSG NCP or New Client Packet is the Miller Henry Service Group Inc most valuable tool in helping a client create a successful claim. It consists of the Client Questionnaire (CQ), the MHSG fee agreement, MHSG intent to remain in contact, MHSG testimonial release, and the following SSA forms: SSA-16, SSA-1696, SSA-8000, SSA-827, SSA-3288. It is critically important that before an NCP is returned to us it is verified for completion. To be considered verified for completion every single question must have an answer, even if it's a best guess. We also need a copy of the client's Picture ID card to furnish to the SSA for their claim. All original documents from the NCP must be returned by mail to the MHSG so that we can comply with the SSA's "wet signature" policy.
Though the NCP may be a bit daunting upon first glance, it takes what is normally a 150+ question survey from the SSA's online filing and reduces it to about 38 questions and a few signature pages.
6.)What can be done to help a claim be successful?
Document, document, document.
If you are the individual filing: Be consistent as you can be, attend any appointments that are scheduled. Comply with medication prescriptions. Be punctual and prompt when responding to their document requests like Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), Work History and any other follow up questions the SSA may have.
If you are a 3rd party entity: You can be an excellent resource to a clients case by filling out form SSA-3380 aka the 3rd Party Function Report. This questionnaire gives the Disability Examiner a different perspective and often helps the client in ways that are not reported in the typical medical records. Using this form you can document things only you can notice like: are they regularly late? do they talk too much? do they follow instructions poorly or not at all? during your interactions with them are they in any obvious pain? etc. You can also help them by encouraging them to continue to seek medical treatment for their disability, in the end whether they apply for SSI or SSDiB having current medical evidence is imperative for a successful claim.
If you are a friend or family member: You are also encouraged to fill out a 3rd Party Function Report.
8.) What makes MHSG different from other companies?
Compassion. Here at MHSG we use the money we make to keep the lights on, but our primary reason for doing this is that we believe in helping people. We have a step-by-step follow-up process to push claims through the SSA. Nothing done through the government happens quickly, but with our process we do our best to expedite the claims. We don't believe in giving false hope. Some companies will lead a client on even if it's evident from the start that the SSA will not consider them disabled. MHSG believes in honesty and are forthright with information if we do not believe the client will meet the requirements. Where most companies and lawyers are interested in drawing out the process for the potential of increasing their payout, MHSG's focus is on the client and getting them out of a dire situation.
We are also partnered with a non-profit company called HOP⁴E Inc. Because of them we've been able to help clients get food, bus passes, transportation to and from exams scheduled by the SSA, clothing, books, bedding, pillows, covered late or past due rent, utility bills, and phone bills as well as obtain replacements of things like: SS cards, birth certificates, marriage certificates, Texas picture I.D.'s
9.) How often does MHSG meet with clients?
We visit several of the local Downtown Dallas Homeless Shelters like: Austin Street Center, Dallas Life Foundation, and Our Calling monthly. We also work with several other organizations to meet with clients like Union Gospel Mission, Baylor Scott & White Clinics, City Square, The office of Veterans Affairs, The Salvation Army, The Stewpot, Metrocare Services, Metrocrest Services, and many other wonderful agencies who help by making referrals to us. We treat each case and person with respect, and we do our best to accommodate by making ourselves available to meet clients at their convenience. We've met with clients at Starbucks, McDonalds, and even under a bridge.
10.) What is the difference between SSDiB & SSI?
SSDiB: Client must have worked 20 quarters out of the last 40 quarters or 5 out of the last 10 years. The claim may be retroactive as much as 12 months prior to the date of filing. There is a 5 month waiting period from the date of onset (established by medical evidence) for which no SS disability benefits will be paid. Potential benefits may be due dependents, as long as they are under age 18 or also disabled. Resources and outside unearned income do not count. Benefits can be retro up to 1 year, depending on when a disability onset is established. MEDICARE can be used. Medicare coverage begins the 24th month of entitlement to ongoing disability benefits. Resources are immaterial. Benefit amount varies by the amount the client earned.
SSI: Client must have resources that amount to less than $2,000, and income less than the current SSI monthly benefit amount of $914. This income includes gross wages and any other benefits excluding food stamps. MEDICAID can be used. If the client is allowed, the client is eligible for MEDICAID beginning with 3 months prior to the month the claim is filed, with some restrictions. Current disability issue must be documented, and no retro benefits will be issued prior to the month following the month that the application is filed. There are no benefits due dependents. Work activity affects the amount of SSI potential due if over $65 per month. The client can have NO RESOURCES totaling $2,000 or more. Benefit amount is set by law.