Social Security Casework - FAQs
Click the Topic Headings for More Information
Basic Questions
Disability Benefits
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Survivor's Benefits
Retirement Benefits
Other Questions and Important Websites
Basic Questions
What is the 800# for Social Security Administration (SSA)? Can
I apply for benefits online?
Social Security has a toll-free number that operates from 7 a.m. to 7
p.m., Monday through Friday: 1-800-772-1213. If you have a touch-tone
phone, recorded information and services are available 24 hours a day,
including weekends and holidays. People who are deaf or hard of hearing
may call the toll-free TTY number, 1-800-325-0778, between 7 a.m. and
7 p.m. on Monday through Friday. Please have your Social Security number
handy when you call.
Social Security's website http://www.ssa.gov,
provides a great deal of information about the program and benefits. In
addition, numerous services can be completed online. Visit
the Online Service Center for more information.
I lost my Social Security Card. How do I get a replacement?
Go to your local
SSA office and bring original proof of identity such as a driver’s
license, marriage or divorce record, military records, employer I.D. card,
adoption record, insurance policy, passport, health insurance card (not
Medicare) or school I.D. card, you will not need all of these but should
have at least two forms of I.D. Learn
more about getting a replacement Social Security Card through SSA's website
(NOTE: Social Security Cards cannot be replaced online).
Disability Benefits
How do I apply for disability benefits?
In addition to the SSA's online application tool, you can go to or call
your local SSA office (find
your local office) and they will supply you with the application.
You need 40 working credits (10 years of work) to qualify to apply. If
you do not have enough working credits you may want to apply for SSI benefits.
Visit SSA's website
to find more about qualification requirements. Additionally, SSA has a
tool on its website where you can find out if your are elligible for any
of its benefit programs before applying. Visit
the Benefit Eligibility Screening Tool (BEST) here.
Can your office assist me in receiving disability benefits?
We are not able to request your claim be allowed, we can however, present
evidence to prove financial hardship or changes in your medical condition
that might help expedite your claim. Please
contact my Tutusville Office for more information regarding SSA Casework
issues.
If my claim is denied, what are my options?
Social Security has a hearings and appeals process that gives you 60 days
to file an appeal. If you choose to do so, you can file with your local
office and it will be sent to the Office of Hearings and Appeals to be
assigned to an Administrative Law Judge who will set a hearing date. At
that time you and your attorney or other representative will be able to
testify to your condition. If your appeal is denied, you then have 60
days to file a “Request for Review” with the SSA Appeals Council
in Falls Church, Virginia. Bear in mind these options can be time consuming.
For
more information regarding SSA's hearings and appeals process, please
visit their website.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Why was there a decrease in my SSI benefit?
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a Federal income supplement program
funded by general tax revenues (not Social Security taxes): It is designed
to help aged, blind, and disabled people and minor disabled children,
who have little or no income; and it provides cash to meet basic needs
for food, clothing, and shelter. Income that comes into the home can effect
the amount you will receive monthly, for example, if someone in the home
works overtime, has an increase in pay or other changes in income, the
monthly benefit will be adjusted. It is very important to report your
income monthly. The
SSA has detailed information about the SSI program on its website.
Survivor's Benefits
How do I apply for the one time survivor's benefit?
Contact your local office and present an original death certificate. Only
those who paid in are eligible for this benefit and can only be collected
by the widow or widower or minor children. See
detailed information about survivor's benefits on SSA's website.
Who can receive survivor benefits?
A widow or widower who is 60 or older, a widow or widower who is 50 or
older and disabled, a widow or widower of any age who cares for a child
under the age of 16 or a disabled child who receives Social Security benefits,
children if they are unmarried and under age 18 or under 19 but a full
time student in elementary or secondary school or age 18 + and severely
disabled before age 22 and your parents, if they were dependent on you
for at least half of their support. SSA's
website has more detailed information about eligibilty and the application
process.
Retirement Benefits
When should I apply for retirement benefits?
Generally you should apply three months before you want your benefits
to begin, by phoning you local office, going to your local office in person
or via internet, be prepared by having your birth certificate or naturalization
papers, DD-214 (military discharge papers) and W-2 forms.
What Information Does Social Security provide to help me plan
for my retirement?
SSA's website has a number of retirement tools available
through its Retirement Planner website. You can also learn
more about your Social Security Statement online.
Other Questions and Important Websites
I am concerned that someone is committing a fraud related to
their SSA benefits. How do I report this?
You can call the Fraud Hot Line – 1-800-269-0271 or write to the
Social Security Administration OIG Hotline, P.O. Box 17768, Baltimore,
MD 21235 and include: the persons name, address and Social Security number.
If the number is not known include as much identifying information as
possible, e.g. date and place of birth, father’s name, mother’s
maiden name. A complete description of the fraud and your name and contact
number, however, if you wish to remain anonymous you do not need to identify
yourself. SSA's website
has more information on this topic.
Important Websites
Social
Security Administration
SSA's
Online Services
SSA's
Philadelphia Regional Office
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