Social Security

*** (See below for Social Security info relating to the Economic Stimulus package)

Social Security is designed, just as the title says, to provide security. The Social Security Administration (SSA) is one of our most important agencies because it touches the lives of more Americans than any other federal agency.

The Social Security Administration pays and administers retirement, disability, and survivor’s benefits, issues Social Security cards, records taxes and earnings, and so much more. If you are having trouble with a claim, benefit, or if you just need help maneuvering your way through the SSA process, please contact my office and ask for the staffer who handles Social Security issues.

Social Security’s website is a valuable resource for information. At their website, you will be able to:

 

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get help from your office?

How does Social Security decide if I am disabled?

Why is there a five-month waiting period for Social Security disability benefits?

I have been denied for Social Security disability benefits. What if I disagree?

I was denied disability benefits and am currently waiting for a hearing. How long does the hearing process normally take?

Can your office speed up the disability process? If you are in eviction/foreclosure proceedings, or if you have been served with eviction/foreclosure notices, I may be able to help. The Social Security Administration considers these situations as “dire financial need”, and encourages my office to bring such cases to their attention. While I cannot guarantee whether the SSA will agree to expedite your application, I can assure you that I will inform the agency of your situation.

 

***Special Economic Stimulus Note:

If you are receiving Social Security or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, you may be eligible to receive the one-time economic recovery payment of $250 from the American Recovery Reinvestment Act of 2009. Let’s determine if you are eligible for the one-time payment and when and how the payment will be issued:

In addition to people who receive Social Security and SSI benefits, people who receive benefits from Veterans Affairs and the Railroad Retirement Board will receive one-time payments of $250.  Note, however, that only one payment of $250 will be made per person, regardless of any combination of benefits that may be received.

The one-time recovery payments will be made the same way that your regular monthly payments are made.  People with direct deposit will receive their payments electronically.  Those who receive paper checks will receive their payments in the mail.  People who receive regular payments through the new Direct Express debit card will receive their one-time payments through the card.  Social Security will send your one-time payment separately from your Social Security or SSI benefit.

Rest assured that your special one-time recovery payment will be sent to you automatically and if it’s not received by June 4, please contact Social Security, at your local office, or 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-3250-0778).

To learn more about the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, visit www.recovery.gov.

To learn more about Social Security, visit www.socialsecurity.gov.