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Celebrating and Creating Independence with Social Security

July 2, 2020 • By

Reading Time: 1 Minute

Last Updated: July 19, 2021

On July 4, we celebrate our nation’s independence.  For nearly 85 years, our programs have helped provide financial independence.  We continue to make it easier for you to access our programs and benefits.  Today, applying online is a convenient way to apply for benefits.

You can go online to apply for:

  • Retirement or Spouse’s Benefits – You must be at least 61 years and 9 months in age and want your benefits to start in no more than four months. Apply online.
  • Disability – Apply for disability. You can use the online application to apply for disability benefits if you:
  1. Are age 18 or older.
  2. Are not currently receiving benefits on your own Social Security record.
  3. Are unable to work because of a medical condition that is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death.
  4. Have not been denied disability benefits in the last 60 days. If your application was recently denied, our Internet Appeal application is a starting point to request a review of the determination we made.
  • Extra Help with Medicare Prescription Drug Costs – Some people need assistance with the cost of medications. Apply for Extra Help.
  • Medicare – Medicare is federal health insurance for people 65 or older, some younger people with disabilities, and people with end-stage renal disease. If you are not already receiving benefits, you should apply online within three months of turning age 65.
  • Supplemental Security Income (SSI) – SSI is a federal income program funded by general tax revenues, and it is designed to help aged, blind, and people with disabilities who have little or no income. You may be able to apply online if you meet certain requirements. See if you can apply online for SSI.

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About the Author

Darlynda Bogle, Assistant Deputy Commissioner

Darlynda Bogle, Assistant Deputy Commissioner

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Comments

  1. Tina D.

    Ok people who was on unemployment they got 600$ a week . What did people on SSI and SSDI get? Does everyone agree?

  2. Melodie w.

    I need an award letter to prove i get $639.00 each month ok please address is 809 n.9th.ave apt.3

    • Vonda V.

      Hi Melodie, thanks for using our blog. Check out our Frequently Asked Questions web page for details on how to get a benefit verification letter. This letter is sometimes called a budget letter, a benefits letter, a proof of income letter or a proof of award letter. You also may be able to request a benefit verification letter by using our automated telephone service at 1-800-772-1213. You can conduct the automated services 24 hours a day. At the prompt, indicate that you’re requesting a proof of income letter. We hope this helps.

  3. doreen

    i am hoping for some help. I am a widow, unable to work due to back problems. i do not know who to contact for that help. i live alone and do well no problems. i have social security for bill payments, but not for other necessities. please help me or the name of who to talk to. not being able to have a job is very difficult. i’m not sure this line is for my comment.

    • Vonda V.

      Hi Doreen, thanks for using our blog. If you are on Medicare, you may want to apply for Extra Help with Medicare prescription drug plan costs. The Extra Help is estimated to be worth about $5,000 per year. To qualify for the Extra Help, a person must be receiving Medicare, have limited resources and income, and reside in one of the 50 States or the District of Columbia. In addition to the Extra Help, you may be able to get help from your State with other Medicare costs under the Medicare Savings Programs. By completing the Extra Help application, you will start your application process for a Medicare Savings Program. We will send information to your State who will contact you to help you apply for a Medicare Savings Program unless you tell us not to when you complete the application.

      If you need information about Medicare Savings Programs, Medicare Prescription Drug plans or how to enroll in a plan, call 1-800-MEDICARE (TTY 1-877-486-2048) or visit http://www.medicare.gov. You also can request information about how to contact your State Health Insurance Counseling and Assistance Program (SHIP). The SHIP offers help with your Medicare questions. We hope this helps.

  4. Arden R.

    Since August 3, 2020 is a Monday, will our SS benefits appear on Direct Deposit tomorrow July 31st or on Monday? Just need some information for planning.

  5. Karen A.

    I got a voice mail from 812-489-7129 telling me it is social security and to call . Is this a for real number or is it a scam?

    • Ann C.

      Hi, Karen. Thanks for checking in with us. Generally, we will only contact you if you have requested a call or have ongoing business with us. Recently, scams—misleading victims into making cash or gift card payments to avoid arrest for Social Security number problems—have skyrocketed. Our employees will never threaten you for information or promise a benefit in exchange for personal information or money.

      If you receive a suspicious call like this: 1) Hang up. 2) Do not provide personal information, money, or retail gift cards. 3) Report suspicious calls here. For more information on how to protect yourself, check out our Frequently Asked Questions. We hope this helps.

  6. Xein

    the content is really interesting to read http://185.61.154.49/

  7. John N.

    I rely solely on my Social Security with a little help from a small pension I also receive, Social Security Administration as always does a great job keeping us up to date with the current changes in the plan. Keep uo the good work people.

  8. Carol D.

    Hello: l applied and was denied. I didn’t have your form to fill out so l appealed bye writing . I also think the decision was not correct . I think it was not based on my information, the lawyer was incompetent, and lots of errors and shortcuts all around. So glad you contacted me. Felt good to express my poor opinion of that system . It really needs a kick in the butt. Thank you. Carol

  9. Sara

    Estoy de acuerdo en la mayoría de lo que dices.

    Si quieres, podemos conversar en https://qiita.com/nombresparaninas

  10. F.D

    Will ssa be increased due to covid 19?

Comments are closed.