Social Security
The Social Security Administration (SSA) manages the nation's social insurance program - consisting of retirement, survivors, and disability insurance - commonly known as Social Security. It also administers the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program for the aged, blind, and disabled. SSA also assigns Social Security numbers to U.S. citizens and maintains earnings records for workers under their Social Security numbers.
Although the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services is the federal agency in charge of the Medicare program, the Social Security Administration determines entitlement to Medicare benefits and issues replacement Medicare cards.
If you are having a specific problem with your Social Security benefit that you cannot resolve and need assistance, contact my office nearest you.
If your application for a benefit has been denied, you have a right to appeal that decision if you do not agree. It is important to understand that there is a 60-day time limit from the denial during which you can ask for an appeal or you may lose your right to appeal. Your appeal must be made to the Social Security Administration in writing within 60 days of the SSA denial. While we cannot appeal the decision for you, we can assist you with understanding your options and once you have an appeal filed can further assist by assuring that your case gets a fair review.
I hope the following resources will be helpful to you in your search for information. If you have further questions, please don't hesitate to contact me.
Social Security Basic Resources
Social Security Website
Benefit Eligibility Screening Tool
Frequently Asked Questions
Social Security Forms
Social Security Publications
Social Security Handbook
Schedule of 2005 Social Security Benefit Payments
Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA)
Contact Information
How to Contact Social Security
Locate the Social Security Office Nearest You
Social Security Offices in South Carolina
Social Security Region 4 Office
Online Claims and Services - What you can do Online
Online Ask a Question Form - Communicate Electronically
Social Security Number and Card
How to Get a New or Replacement Social Security Card
Documents You Need for a Social Security Card
Social Security Card Application
Your Social Security Number and Card
Social Security Numbers for Children
Marriage, Divorce, and Name Change
Address Change
Identity Theft and Your Social Security Number
Retirement Benefits
Retirement Planner
Request a Social Security Statement
How Your Retirement Benefit is Figured
Benefit Calculators
How to Apply for Social Security Retirement Benefits
Information if you are already Receiving Benefits
Widow, Widower, and Other Survivor Benefits
Survivors Planner
Survivor Benefits for Your Widow or Widower
How to Report when a Beneficiary Dies
Qualify and Apply
Information if you are already Receiving Survivor Benefits
Disability and Supplemental Security Income Programs
Benefits for People with Disabilities
Benefits for Children with Disabilities
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Qualify and Apply for Disability and SSI Benefits
Employment Support for People with Disabilities
Information if already receiving Disability and SSI Benefits
Social Security Appeals
Office of Hearings and Appeals
Office of Hearings and Appeals that Serves South Carolina
Information about your Hearing
Social Security Hearings Process
The Appeals Process Fact Sheet
Hearings and Appeals Forms
Other Resources
Direct Deposit of Benefits
Information and Resources for Employers
Information for the Self-Employed
Information for Women
Representative Payee Program