Understanding Supplemental Security Income Social Security Notices and Letters -- 2023 Edition

Understanding SSI Home Page / Understanding Supplemental Security Income Social Security Notices and Letters

SOCIAL SECURITY NOTICES AND LETTERS


WHAT DOES A NOTICE LOOK LIKE?

A Social Security notice will have the following features:

    small blue and black arrow a heading that always includes the agency name usually the name of the Social Security program, and the type of notice.  For example:

    blank spacerSocial Security Administration
    blank spacerSupplemental Security Income
    blank spacerNotice of Change in Payment

    small blue and black arrowSocial Security’s internet link, toll-free telephone number and the address for your local field office.

WHY DO WE SEND YOU A NOTICE?

Notices are one of the ways that we communicate with the public.  Notices are necessary to explain our decisions, inform you of your rights and responsibilities, and explain what you can do if you disagree with our decisions.

We also send notices that may ask you to call or come into the office, or to request information or documents.

WHEN DO WE SEND YOU A NOTICE?

We will send you a notice,  to inform you about your claim, benefit status or benefit amount.  A notice will be sent if your benefit amount or eligibility changes and/or terminates. 

For example, if you receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and changes in your living arrangement, other income, or resources affect your benefit amount, you will receive a notice each time your benefit amount changes.

WHAT DO WE TELL YOU IN OUR NOTICE?

Our notices generally state the following:

    small blue and black arrowthe purpose of the letter;

    small blue and black arrowany action we plan to take or decision we’ve made and the reason;

    small blue and black arrowany change in your benefit status or payment amount and the starting date of the change;

    small blue and black arrowany action you should take;

    small blue and black arrowwhat you should do if you disagree with the decision; and

    small blue and black arrowhow to contact us.

WHAT OPTIONS ARE AVAILABLE TO BLIND OR VISUALLY IMPAIRED INDIVIDUALS?

You can choose to receive notices from us in one of the following ways. Just let us know which you prefer. Your choices for receiving notices are:

  • Standard print notice by first-class mail;
  • Standard print notice by certified mail;
  • Standard print notice by first-class mail and a follow-up telephone call;
  • Braille notice and a standard print notice by first-class mail;
  • Microsoft Word file on a data compact disc (CD) and a standard print notice by first-class mail;
  • Audio CD and a standard print notice by first-class mail; or
  • Large print (18-point size) notice and a standard print notice by first-class mail.
To select or change the way you wish to receive information from Social Security, go to our secure Internet application, my Social Security or contact us.

WHAT OPTIONS ARE AVAILABLE TO LIMITED ENGLISH SPEAKING INDIVIDUALS?

Most notices from Social Security are available in Spanish.  Notices that are not available in Spanish include a Spanish cover letter offering translation services from a local Social Security office.

WHAT SHOULD YOU DO IF YOU HAVE TROUBLE UNDERSTANDING OR RESPONDING TO OUR NOTICE?

Contact us if you do not understand a notice, or if you cannot do what we ask in the time allowed. Have the notice with you when you contact us, so we will be able to help you more quickly. We will explain the letter to you and help you do what you need to do to meet your responsibility.

If you misplace a notice that we have sent to you, please contact us.  Do not ignore the letter under any circumstances.  If you do, you could lose benefits or the chance to exercise your rights. 


Back to the Understanding SSI Table of ContentsBack to the Top of the PageForward to REDETERMINATIONS
Back   Top  Next