What If A Beneficiary Alleges A Representative Payee Misused The Economic Impact Payment
Date: March 26, 2021
Because an EIP is not a Social Security or SSI benefit, SSA does not have authority to investigate or determine whether the EIP has been misused. However, if SSA receives an allegation that the EIP was not used on behalf of the beneficiary, SSA may decide to investigate for possible misuse of the beneficiarys Social Security or SSI benefit payments. SSA may also determine the representative payee is no longer suitable and appoint a new representative payee.
The Disability Application Process
Whether you apply online, by phone, or in person, the disability benefits application process follows these general steps:
- You gather the information and documents you need to apply. We recommend you print and review the . It will help you gather the information you need to complete the application.
- You complete and submit your application.
- We review your application to make sure you meet some for disability benefits.
- We check whether you worked enough years to qualify.
- We evaluate any current work activities.
- We process your application and forward your case to the Disability Determination Services office in your state.
- This State agency makes the disability determination decision.
To learn more about who decides if you are disabled, read our publication .
Once You’ve Applied
Once we receive your application, well review it and contact you if we have questions. We might request additional documents from you before we can proceed
Look For Our Response
Youll receive a letter in the mail with our decision. If you included information about other family members when you applied, well let you know if they may be able to receive benefits on your record.
Check The Status
You can check the status of your application online using your personal mySocial Security account. If you are unable to check your status online, you can call us 1-800-772-1213 from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Appeal A Decision
- Reconsideration.
My Supplemental Security Income Payment Has Changed Or Stopped I Did Not Receive A Letter In Advance Or I Did Receive A Letter But It Is Now More Than 60 Days Since I Received The Letter What Can I Do
Date:
You can still file an appeal by taking one of the following actions.
Online at SSA.gov
The quickest and easiest way to file an appeal is online at our Appeal a Decision page. Select Reconsideration and then the Request Non-Medical Reconsideration button. Follow the instructions on the screens to complete and submit the appeal electronically. When you file your appeal, be sure to include a statement on the appeal request that explains why you are filing your request late.
Send Us a Form by Mail
You may also download, complete, and print the form Request for Reconsideration and then mail the completed form to your local Social Security office. You can find the address for your local office in the letter we sent you or by going to the Social Security Office Locator page by entering your ZIP code. When you file your appeal, be sure to include a statement on the appeal request that explains why you are filing your request late.
If you still have questions about filing an appeal online, by mail, or fax, please call us at 1-800-772-1213 or call your local office. You can find the telephone number for your local office in the letter we sent you or by going to the Social Security Office Locator page and entering your zip code. We can answer your questions and send you the appropriate appeal request form for you to complete and then send back to us.
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The Best Ways To Contact The Social Security Administration
Did you know that more than 2,700 rules govern your Social Security benefits? Luckily, a significant number of those rules probably dont apply to youbut how do you have a chance of interpreting all these rules on your own when there are thousands of explanations in the agencys Program Operations Manual System ?
The easy answer is to contact the Social Security Administration . Yes, we know what sort of negative connotations the idea of communicating with a government agency conjures up. Thankfully, there are three ways to contact Social Security to get info and solve issuesonline, by phone, and in person.
What Do I Do If I Have Missed The Deadline To File My Hearing Request
Date: March 11, 2021
We understand that some situations may constitute good cause for failing to timely file your request for hearing after receiving a prior denial on your claim. To assist you in providing an explanation for why you have missed the deadline to request a hearing during the pandemic, we will mail you a notice requesting a written explanation for the untimely filing if you have not already provided an explanation. This notice will give you an opportunity to explain why you were unable to file your hearing request on time. Although the notice we use to request a showing of good cause for untimely filing identifies a shorter timeframe for a response, we will provide 30 days from the date on the request before we will issue a dismissal, to account for potential mail delivery and processing delays.
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Apply For Benefits Online
You should apply for disability benefits as soon as you become disabled. Follow these easy steps to apply online for disability:
- To start your application, go to our Apply for Benefits page, and read and agree to the Terms of Service. Click Next.
- On that page, review the Getting Ready section to make sure you have the information you need to apply.
- Select Start A New Application.
- We will ask a few questions about who is filling out the application.
- You will then sign into your mySocial Security account, or you will be prompted to create one.
- Complete the application.
You can use the online application to apply for disability benefits if you:
- Are age 18 or older.
- Are not currently receiving benefits on your own Social Security record.
- Are unable to work because of a medical condition that is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death and
- Have not been denied for disability in the last 60 days.
Note: If your application was recently denied, our application is a starting point to request a review of the determination we made.
You may be able to file online for SSI at the same time that you file for SSDI benefits. Once you complete the online process above, a Social Security representative will contact you if we need additional information.
Write The Social Security Administration
The last way to contact the Social Security Administration remotely is by writing to their Office of Public Inquiries. However, its worth noting that it may take longer to receive an answer due to the length of time it takes for letters to be delivered. If you do decide to write the Social Security Administration, use the following address:
Social Security Administration
Baltimore, MD 21235
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Measures You Can Take To Prevent Identity Theft
Identity theft happens when a person illegally uses your personal information to commit fraud. Someone illegally using your SSN and assuming your identity can cause a lot of problems. But there are several things you should do to prevent identity theft:
- Do not routinely carry your SSN.
- Never say your SSN aloud in public.
- Beware of phishing scams trying to trick you into revealing personal information.
- Create a personal account to help you keep track of your records and identify any suspicious activity.
- Consider adding these blocks to your account with us:
- The eServices block This prevents anyone, including you, from seeing or changing your personal information on the internet. Once we add the block, you or your representative will need to contact your local office to request removal of the block.
- The Direct Deposit Fraud Prevention block This prevents anyone, including you, from enrolling in direct deposit or changing your address or direct deposit information through or a financial institution . Once we add the block, you or your representative will need to contact your local office to request removal of the block. You will need to do the same to make any future changes to direct deposit or contact information.
Does Social Security Have A Plan That Addresses The Health And Safety Of Its Employees And The Public In Its Offices
Date: April 7, 2022
Yes. In accordance with the Office of Management and Budgets Safer Federal Workplace: Agency Model Safety Principles memorandum on the Presidents Executive Order on Protecting the Federal Workforce and Requiring Mask-Wearing, we have created a COVID-19 Workplace Safety Plan. This plan is a living document. We will update it to incorporate guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Office of Management and Budget.
Please visit How to Get Help from Social Security for what to expect if you need to visit a Social Security office.
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What Fraud And Scams Should I Know About
Date: April 29, 2021
This question consolidates and replaces previous questions related to scams.
Unfortunately, there are scammers who will take advantage of the current situation and try to trick you out of your money and personal information. Dont be fooled!
No government agency will contact you offering COVID-19-related grants or economic impact payments in exchange for personal financial information, an advance fee, or gift cards. Please do not respond. These are scams. Visit Treasurys website if you suspect economic impact payment fraud. Report Social Security scams about COVID-19.
Below are some of the scams we know about, but there can be many variations:
The Inspector General of Social Security, Gail S. Ennis, is warning the public about fraudulent letters threatening suspension of Social Security benefits due to COVID-19-related office closures. We will not suspend or discontinue benefits because our offices are closed to walk-in visitors. Read this and other fraud advisories.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General is alerting the public about fraud schemes related to COVID-19. For example, scammers are offering COVID-19 tests to Medicare beneficiaries in exchange for personal details, including Medicare information. However, the services are unapproved and illegitimate. Learn about this and other COVID-19 fraud from HHS.
How Should A Representative Payee Use A Beneficiarys Economic Impact Payment
Date: March 26, 2021
The EIP belongs to the Social Security or SSI beneficiary. It is not a Social Security or SSI benefit. A representative payee should discuss the EIP with the beneficiary. If the beneficiary wants to use the EIP independently, the representative payee should provide the EIP to the beneficiary. If the beneficiary asks the representative payee for assistance in using the EIP in a specific manner or saving it, the representative payee can provide that assistance outside the role of a representative payee.
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How Can I Change My Address
If you get Social Security benefits or are enrolled in Medicare, you can change your address online by signing into your mySocial Security account. Go to the My Profile Tab and slect the contact link.
This service is not currently available to people who receive Supplemental Security Income or do not have a U.S. mailing address. However, if you do receive SSI, you can still check your address we have on record and update your telephone number via the My Profile tab on your mySocial Security.
- Call us at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, 8:00 am 7:00 pm.
Contact The Social Security Administration By Visiting Your Local Office
You can also simply find out where your local SSA office is. Visit in person to have your questions or concerns addressed. You can find out where your local office is by using the Social Security Administrations Social Security Office Locator. All you need to do is type in your zip code and the nearest office will be pulled up.
If you need to contact the SSA, you have four options for doing so. These are calling, emailing, writing, or visiting in person. Be sure to contact us for more advice regarding Social Security benefits. You can call to set up a free consultation today, and you can also take advantage of our LiveChat feature.
This is attorney advertising. SSDA, LLC is a group of attorneys that pursues claims for Social Security Disability benefits on behalf of its clients against the Social Security Administration. SSDA, LLC is in no way a part of the Social Security Administration. Further, the information on this blog is for general information purposes only. Nothing herein should be taken as legal advice. This information is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing does not constitute, a representative-client relationship.
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Social Security Combats Fraud
Social Security has zero tolerance for fraud. We diligently work at the national, regional, and local levels to combat fraud that undermines our mission to serve the American public.
To meet this challenge, we work closely with the Office of the Inspector General which investigates allegations of fraud and seeks to bring offenders to justice. The OIG refers cases to U.S. attorneys within the Department of Justice, and other state and local prosecuting authorities, for prosecution as a federal crimes.
Visit our OIGs Investigations page to view a list of recent fraud investigations.
How Can I Find Out If My Social Security Office Is Open
Date: April 7, 2022
Local Social Security offices are offering more in-person appointments and have resumed in-person service for people without an appointment. As we expand in-person service, we strongly encourage you to continue to go online, call us for help, and schedule appointments in advance.
- How to get help from Social Security, including online and the best times to call.
- What you should know before you visit a Social Security office, so we can help you safely.
- Options that could help you have your hearing sooner if you are appealing a decision.
- The small number of offices that temporarily:
- may provide service only by appointment due to construction, inability to permit people to wait outside the office, or other reasons.
- may be closed to the public.
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Apply Over The Telephone
You can apply by calling the Social Security Administration at their toll-free number: 1-800-772-1213. If you are deaf or hard of hearing, you can call them at TTY 1-800-325-0778. Applying over the telephone can be frustrating as an automated system will answer and youll likely be put on hold before getting you in contact with someone. A Social Security worker will ask you the questions on the application and will submit it once they are finished.
If We Send You Mail Or Email
Open mail or emails from us right away.
Well send you important information about your appeal, such as hearing date, deadlines and decisions. Open and answer letters or emails from us as soon as possible.
If youre expecting to hear from us, please check your junk mail.
You must tell us if your contact information changes.
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What To Know About Hearings
If you are thinking about appealing a decision, or you have an appeal pending, we want you to know you have options that could help you have your hearing sooner.
- We resumed offering some in-person hearings and we continue to offer hearings by online video and by phone. Online video hearings and telephone hearings are convenient, safe, and secure. .
- We continue to increase the number of in-person hearings. As our capacity grows, we will move to a more normal scheduling process.
What Do I Do If I Miss My Hearing
Date: December 14, 2021
If you missed your hearing time, please call the hearing office right away at the phone number listed on your Notice of Hearing. If you do not have your Notice of Hearing, you can find your local hearing office phone number by visiting our Hearing Office Locator.
We understand that the COVID-19 pandemic may create situations that constitute good cause for failing to appear at your scheduled hearing. To assist you in explaining why you have missed your hearing date during the pandemic, we will mail you a notice . This notice will give you an opportunity to explain why you did not appear for your hearing. Although the notice we use to request a showing of good cause for failure to appear identifies a shorter timeframe for a response, we will provide 30 days from the date on the request before we will issue a dismissal, to account for potential mail delivery and processing delays.
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Email The Social Security Administration
If you dont have the time to call the Social Security Administration on your phone or you feel more comfortable writing an email, then you can do so by writing an email to their support team. You can write them an email directly from their site. They will request your email address, a subject line and a message.
Can I Request A Waiver For An Overpayment Debt Incurred During Covid
Date: December 31, 2020
Yes. Please and one of our employees will assist you. Under our rules, if you believe an overpayment was not your fault and you should not have to pay us back, you need to request a waiver of the overpayment debt. Certain debts may qualify for a streamlined waiver decision if:
- Your overpayment debt happened between March 1 and September 30, 2020 because Social Security did not process an action due to the COVID-19 pandemic and
We developed instructions for our employees to process streamlined waiver requests. Although the are marked sensitive, this version has been redacted under the Freedom of Information Act for public release.
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