July 2021
Social Security Liaisons Assist Partner Organizations to Help Vulnerable Populations
We have been working with claimant advocate groups to identify new ways in which we can improve access to our services for the most vulnerable populations. We have exciting news that we have designated a new position to work with organizations in local communities to help often-underserved individuals.
A Vulnerable Population Liaison, or VPL, will work directly with an organization that commits to helping take claims or provide us information sufficient to protect a claimant for benefits at the earliest date possible. Providing that information is what we call establishing a lead.
Join the hundreds of organizations already partnering with us to help their clients with access to a VPL. Learn more about this exciting opportunity at our What’s New for Groups and Organizations web page.
Creating Independence with Social Security Online
Celebrating our nation’s independence every year on July 4 is a point of joy and pride. Our programs and online tools help provide financial freedom and independence to millions of hardworking people.
Creating a secure my Social Security account will help your clients conduct Social Security business from home or on the go. With a personal account, someone not receiving benefits can:
- Request a replacement Social Security card (in one of the 44 eligible states and the District of Columbia).
- Get a letter proving they do not receive benefits and do not have a claim pending.
- Review their earnings history. Incorrect earnings can mean receiving less in benefits than they deserve.
- Get personalized retirement benefit estimates.
- Check the status of their Social Security benefits application or appeal.
If they already receive benefits, they can also:
- Request a replacement Social Security card (in one of the 44 eligible states and the District of Columbia).
- Get a benefit verification letter or proof of income letter.
- Set up or change their direct deposit.
- Change their address.
- Request a replacement Medicare card.
- Get a Social Security 1099 form (SSA-1099).
With our many services and helpful information available online, we are here for your clients when their schedules allow. Please be sure to tell them about all they can do with us from their preferred location at www.ssa.gov.
Happy Birthday, Medicare!
This July marks the 56th anniversary of Medicare. Please let your clients know that they can apply for Medicare online even if they’re not ready to start their retirement benefits. They should apply for Medicare three months before turning 65.
Applying online can take less than 10 minutes. There are no forms to sign and we usually require no additional documentation. We’ll process their application and contact them if we need more information. Encourage your clients to visit www.ssa.gov/benefits/medicare to apply for Medicare and find other important information.
Social Security Benefits for Children with Disabilities
During these difficult times, we want to ensure that all families are aware of our Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program for children with disabilities. SSI helps families who have children with qualifying disabilities. To qualify for SSI, a child must meet all of the following requirements to be considered disabled and medically eligible:
- The child must have a medical condition, or a combination of conditions. The condition must result in “marked and severe functional limitations,” meaning that it must very seriously limit the child’s activities.
- The child’s disabling condition(s) must last, or be expected to last, at least 12 months or result in death.
If approved, the child could be eligible for a monthly payment of up to $794 in 2021 and possibly an additional state supplement. In most states, a child who receives SSI is automatically eligible for Medicaid.
Please encourage your clients to visit www.ssa.gov/benefits/disability/apply-child.html to learn more, and find resources to help parents understand and apply for child disability benefits.
Protecting Your Clients from Scams
Social Security imposter scams are widespread across the United States. Scammers try to trick the public into providing personal information or money, and often threaten their victims with arrest. Recently, our Office of the Inspector General (OIG) has received reports of scammers creating fake versions of the identification badges most Federal employees use to gain access to Federal buildings. The scammers may text or email photos of the fake badges to convince potential victims of their legitimacy. These badges use government symbols, words, and even names and photos of real people, which are available on government websites or through internet searches.
If you or your clients receive a suspicious call, letter, text, or email, hang up or do not respond. When Social Security communicates with your clients, we will NEVER:
- Text or email images of an employee’s official government identification.
- Suspend a person’s Social Security number.
- Threaten someone with arrest or other legal action unless they immediately pay a fine or fee.
- Require payment by retail gift card, wire transfer, internet currency, or cash.
- Promise a benefit increase or other assistance in exchange for payment.
- Send official letters or reports containing their personal information via email.
If someone owes money to us, we’ll mail them a letter with payment options and appeal rights. We send text messages only if you or your client has opted in to receive texts from us and only in limited situations, including the following:
- When you have subscribed to receive updates and notifications by text.
- As part of our enhanced security when signing in to your personal my Social Security account.
Our Office of the Inspector General has many resources to learn more about preventing and reporting scams on their Scam Awareness page. We also have resources available to the public on our Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) page.
Please share this information with your clients and encourage them to report Social Security scams or fraud at oig.ssa.gov.
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Anniversary
On the 21st anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, we want to share how we help people with disabilities. From wounded warriors to children, we provide vital aid to people who can no longer work and their families.
The Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income programs offer a lifeline to people with qualifying disabilities, providing benefits, cash payments, and medical assistance. If your clients need detailed information to help them understand what to expect during the application process, please encourage them to visit www.ssa.gov/benefits/disability.
