Barriers Faced by People Experiencing Homelessness in Los Angeles when Filing Social Security Disability Appeals: A Qualitative and Community-Engaged Study

People experiencing homelessness (PEH) face many barriers to accessing public benefits. Over 75,500 people are unhoused in Los Angeles County and many live with severe disabilities. In this article, we examine barriers faced by PEH in Los Angeles County when filing a Social Security Administration (SSA) disability program appeal after receiving an initial denial, familiarity with and perceptions of the appeals process among PEH, and support resources available to PEH filing appeals. This qualitative and community-engaged study includes interviews with service providers (n=8) and appellants who are currently or formerly unhoused or at imminent risk of losing their housing (n=13). Snowball sampling was used to reach service-connected appellants, and field interviews were conducted in Skid Row to reach non-service-connected interviewees. The study was conducted in partnership with a Community Advisory Board (CAB) of community experts who deliver supportive services to PEH filing SSA disability program appeals in Los Angeles. Findings suggest that PEH face heightened barriers remaining in contact with SSA and service providers, receive lower quality healthcare (both exacerbating their chronic health conditions and leading to worse documentation of these conditions for disability determination), and experience significant confusion and frustration when navigating the appeals process. Delays in receiving benefits have a negative effect on the health and well-being of PEH and, in some cases, lead to significant declines in health.

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