Little Known Rules That Can Help and Hurt Your Clients: The SSI 12-Month Rule & Reopening Rules for Both SSI and T. II (Presented by National Organization of Social Security Claimants’ Representatives)

John S. Whitelaw, Advocacy Director | Community Legal Aid Society

John S. Whitelaw rejoined Community Legal Aid Society of Delaware as its first Advocacy Director in December 2017. In this position, he works with advocates to pursue creative strategies to address systemic problems faced by our clients. He also provides supervision and mentorship to advocates in government benefits and SSA matters. John is also a member of the Delaware Board of Bar Examiners and appears to be the first legal aid attorney in Delaware to hold that position. John has more than thirty-five years of experience representing low income and other vulnerable clients in various legal aid programs. Previously, John was Co-Director of the Aging and Disabilities unit at the North Philadelphia office of Community Legal Services, Inc. of Philadelphia. He was with CLS for almost twenty years. For much of his career John has represented clients in matters involving government benefits (TANF, GA, Food Stamps or SNAP, and Medical Assistance) and the Social Security Administration. John has represented claimants at all administrative levels and in federal and state court. John has been a presenter at many national and regional trainings. John previously traveled all over the country as a trainer on SSI and Social Security Disability matters for the AARP National Training Project John previously worked for CLASI in Wilmington (1995—1997), and other legal aid programs in Beckley WV (1990-1995) and Minneapolis MN (1987-1990). He also worked for the Federal Public Defender Association in Philadelphia in the Capital Habeas Unit (1997-1998).

I. Gain an understanding of the 12-month rule governing SSI suspension and how to avoid it | 3:00pm – 3:15pm

II. Learn how to use reopening rules to gain extra benefits for your client | 3:15pm – 3:30pm 

III. Limit the reach of retroactive reductions | 3:30pm – 3:45pm

IV. Gain practical advocacy techniques you can put into immediate use with field offices | 3:45pm – 4:00pm