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SOCIAL SECURITY
News Release
SOCIAL
SECURITY ADMINISTRATION RESPONDS TO
TERRORIST ATTACKS ON AMERICA
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Social
Security is Open for Business
In response
to the horrific acts of terrorism against the United States of
America on September 11, 2001, the Social Security Administration
(SSA) has initiated a series of actions designed to ensure continuity
of its operations and a quick response to those who need Social
Security services. All but one Social Security office in New York
City (26 Federal Plaza) is open. That office is expected to open
next week. The Social Security toll-free 800 number (1-800-772-1213)
(TTY Number 1-866-545-7316) is fully staffed and operational.
Social Security's web site, www.ssa.gov, is up
and running 24/7. Social Security benefits will not be interrupted
and payments should be received on time.
Social
Security Benefits for People Affected by the Terrorist Attacks
Social
Security may provide survivors benefits for the families of those
who tragically lost their lives in the terrorist attacks.
Those
who suffered critical injuries as a result of the attacks may
be eligible for Social Security disability benefits.
Social
Security is working with local and regional officials as well
as with employers in the affected areas to assist families who
may be eligible for Social Security benefits. We are working to
ensure that emergency procedures are followed that will provide
the most prompt and efficient processes for taking claims and
paying benefits to the victims and survivors of these attacks.
Those
who are already receiving monthly Social Security and Supplemental
Security Income benefits should be assured that their September
and October benefits will arrive on time.
Claims
Taking and Processing
Social
Security has activated special emergency handling procedures for
survivor claims resulting from the terrorist plane crashes at
the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and in Pennsylvania on September
11, 2001.
--People applying for
survivor benefits using SSA's toll-free 800-number (1-800-772-1213)
(TTY Number 1-866-545-7316) will have their claims processed at
the time of their call.
--Survivor claimants
who choose to file at their local field office
will have their claims processed at the time of their visit.
--All survivor claims
related to Tuesday's plane crashes will be handled under the Agency's
disaster/emergency policies and procedures. These procedures allow
for acceptance of airplane manifests, lists of employees furnished
by employers and other statements that would place the worker
at the scene of the tragedy as proof of death.
--Survivors benefits
will be payable for the month of September. These payments will
be made in October.
800
Number (1-800-772-1213) (TTY Number 1-866-545-7316)
Social
Security's national 800 number representatives will transfer all
disaster-related survivor or claims calls to the Immediate Claims
Taking (ICT) Units where an application for benefits will be taken
immediately.
--The ICT units are
a nationwide network of 14 claims processing sites, staffed with
390 claims takers.
Calls to SSA's 800 number
originating in the New York City area, the area with the largest
number of victims affected by Tuesday's events, are being directed
to a designated facility in New York where specially trained operators
will handle their calls.
SSA
Online - www.ssa.gov
The Social
Security Administration website (www.ssa.gov)
has current information:
--Informing the public
that all but one Social Security office (26 Federal Plaza) in
New York City is open for business,
--Giving SSA's toll-free
800 number and a link to SSA's local office locator to assist
persons who need to file a claim for Social Security benefits,
--Assuring people that
Social Security benefits in September and October will arrive
on time, and;
--Providing a link
to the FirstGov.gov website, which contains a list of government
agencies and other resources.
These
actions should reassure the public that the Social Security Administration
will continue to provide compassionate and caring service that
has been the Agency's trademark for more than 66 years.
See
attached Fact Sheet
Note: Copies of most
SSA press releases, as well as other Social Security information
and statistics,
are available at SSA’s Internet site, Social Security
Online, at http://www.ssa.gov.
Also look there for information on subscribing to SSA’s
free electronic newsletter, Social Security e-news.
SSA Press Office 4-H-9
WestHigh Rise 6401 Security Blvd. Baltimore, MD 21235
410-965-8904 FAX 410-966-9973
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www.socialsecurity.gov
