Social Security FAQs

Social Security was created in the 1930s to provide Americans with a safety net for retirement, survivors and those afflicted with a disability.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) serves the needs of those who have reached retirement age as well as those who have become disabled and can no longer work. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits are based on financial need. Social Security Disability benefits are granted through an established determination for eligibility process.

Below are listed some Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) regarding Social Security:

• How do I apply for Social Security benefits?
• How do I apply for Supplemental Security Income (SSI)?
• How do I apply for retirement benefits?
  How do I contact the SSA or locate the office that is closest to my home?
• Can I have my Social Security check deposited directly into my account?
• I disagree with the SSA's decision on my claim? How can I appeal?
• How long does it take to process Social Security Disability claims?

How do I apply for Social Security benefits?

To apply for benefits, you need to contact the SSA at 1-800-772-1213. A customer service representative can answer any questions you have and arrange for the appropriate forms to be sent to you. You can also sign up for benefits online.

To qualify for disability benefits, you must be unable to perform work of any kind and your disability must be expected to last at least one year or result in death. It is also necessary that your work history is long enough and recent enough to qualify. Specific numbers depend on individual situations, and you will need to discuss your situation with appropriate SSA staff.

It is also worth noting that the SSA receives a high number of applications for disability benefits. As a result, it can take a long time to receive a decision. If your application is denied, you may appeal the decision. The appeals process allows for two appeals and can take up to two years to be decided.

If you qualify to receive disability benefits, those benefits will not begin until the sixth full month after the date that the SSA determines your disability began. In addition, you must wait two years before you qualify for Medicare coverage.

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How do I apply for Supplemental Security Income (SSI)?

SSI is an income assistance program that is administered by the SSA for people who meet the following criteria:

• Elderly (65 or older)
• Blind or disabled (physical or mental problem that is expected to last at least one year or result in death)
• Don't have many assets (property is valued at less than $2,000)
• Received less than a certain level of income (less than $520 per month if you don't work or $1,073 per month if you do work). These figures change periodically, so please contact the SSA at the number below for the most current information.

To apply for benefits, you need to contact the SSA at 1-800-772-1213. A customer service representative can answer any questions you have and arrange for the appropriate forms to be sent to you. You can also sign up for benefits online.

It generally takes two to six months to receive an eligibility decision regarding SSI.

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How do I apply for retirement benefits?

You are eligible for Social Security retirement benefits when you reach age 65. However, beinning in 2003, the age at which you can apply for retirement benefits began to increase gradually from 65 to 67. You can apply early at age 62. If you apply early, the benefits you receive will be reduced, but you will receive them over a longer time period.

You can also delay applying for Social Security retirement. If you do so, your continued incomed may increase your benefit amount and you will receive a credit.

To be eligible for retirement benefits, you have to have paid into the Social Security program and have garnered enough "credits". For every ten years of work, you earn one credit per certain amount of money that you make. A customer service representative can assist you in determining you eligibility status.

To apply for benefits, you need to contact the SSA) at 1-800-772-1213. A customer service representative can answer any questions you have and arrange for the appropriate forms to be sent to you. You can also sign up for benefits online.

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How do I contact the SSA or locate the office that is closest to my home?

Social Security Online maintains a database that provides information for locating a local office as well as setting up an appointment, contacting SSA by mail or calling a toll-free number for assistance, (800) 772-1213. Operators are available Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.; recorded information is available 24 hours a day, including weekends and holidays. For those who are hard of hearing or deaf, the toll-free TTY number is (800) 325-0778; operators are available Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. When contacting the SSA for assistance, please have your Social Security number available.

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Can I have my Social Security check deposited directly into my account?

Yes, you can. Presently more than 50 million Americans receive Social Security and SSI benefits. Of those, over 75 percent use direct deposit. To sign up for direct deposit, call SSA's toll-free number, (800) 772-1213, or visit the nearest local office. You can also sign up for direct deposit at your bank, savings and loan or credit union.

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I disagree with the SSA's decision on my claim? How can I appeal?

For more information on the Social Security appeals process, please review The Appeals Process page at Social Security Online. It covers how and when you can appeal, what process is followed for an appeal, the status of benefits during an appeal and what assistance is available through an appeal.

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How long does it take to process Social Security Disability claims?

It can take six weeks to several years for a disability claim to be handled, depending on a variety of factors. If you would like assistance from my office regarding your claim, please follow the directions at the bottom of this page.

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For my office to assist you with any questions you may have regarding your own Social Security, you will need to complete a privacy release form giving permission for my staff to make inquiries on your behalf. Please use the links above to download the form in either Word or PDF format.

When completing the form, please include all pertinent information such as:

• Your full name
• Your Social Security Number
• Date of birth
• When you filed the claim
• Your contact information (phone number, address, e-mail)

My staff can then contact the appropriate Social Security office to determine the status of your claim and provide you with any further assistance. Please note that I cannot direct a certain outcome or expedite a process. I can only communicate the circumstances and request that the appropriate actions be taken to assist you.

Privacy Release Form (Word)	Privacy Release Form (PDF)

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