Chapter 1Overview of the Social Security System

Table of Contents

INTRODUCTION

100. Purposes of Social Security
101. Obtaining A Social Security Card
102. Checking Individual Earnings Records
103. Application for Social Security Benefits, Medicare Coverage, or Medicare Protection
104. Who is responsible for proving a claim?
105. How are claims processed by the Social Security office?
106. Duty to Report Certain Events
107. Totalization Agreements
108. Who is NOT covered under retirement, survivors, disability, and hospital insurance programs?

ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE OF THE SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION (SSA)

109. How is the Social Security Administration (SSA) structured?
110. The Function of the Social Security Office
111. Program Service Center Functions
112. Where are earnings records maintained?
113. Recording Earnings Credits
114. SSI Claimants Residing Abroad
115. Determinations of Disability

SERVICES OF SSA

116. Information Program of the Social Security Office
117. Information Required by Law to be Made Available to the Public
118. Does the Social Security office make referrals to other government or community agencies?

DISBURSEMENT OF BENEFIT PAYMENTS

119. Social Security Benefits Payable
120. Who issues Social Security benefits and SSI payments?
121. Payment Dates
122. Direct Deposit of Benefits
123. Checks
124. How do you endorse your check if you cannot sign your name?
125. Entitlement To Retirement, Survivors, And Disability Insurance Benefits
126. Supplemental Security Income Benefits
127. Hospital and Medical Insurance Benefits Provided
128. Prescription Drug Benefits Provided
129. Benefits Not Transferable
130. Special Request For Expedited Benefit Payment
131. Checks to Husband and Wife
132. Are separate Social Security benefit checks mailed to each child in a family?

BENEFICIARY'S OBLIGATIONS

133. Reporting to Social Security
134. Returning Checks To The Social Security Office
135. What is done if you receive more money than you are entitled?

FUNDING THE PROGRAMS

136. Sources of Funds for Social Security and Supplemental Security Income Benefits
137. How are hospital insurance benefits funded?
138. How are medical insurance benefits funded?
139. How are prescription drug benefits funded?
140. Where are money gifts to Social Security deposited?

TRUST FUNDS

141. Trust Funds Available For Benefits

FRAUD

142. What investigative responsibilities does SSA have in administering the Social Security program?
143. Fraud In Connection With Benefit Claims And Earnings Records
144. Social Security Cost-Of-Living Adjustment And Other Automatic Increases