Come See Their Faces, Learn the Facts
Reading Time: 2 MinutesLast Updated: July 11, 2016
In times of tragedy and uncertainty, Social Security is a constant for America, a lifeline. Our Faces and Facts of Disability website is at the heart of who we are as an agency. We share the stories about people living with disabling conditions and receiving benefits from Social Security. The site puts a face and name to people who truly benefit from our programs. Learning the facts and hearing peoples’ stories about disability allows for a better understanding of the Social Security program.
You can hear stories like Carrie’s who, after college, began climbing the corporate ladder in the insurance industry. She was thriving at her job, but eventually, she became ill and could no longer function at the demanding pace her position required. Carrie has Multiple Sclerosis, a disease that changed and transformed her life.
“It felt like my significance was dropping,” said Carrie in her story.
With a condition that prevented her from working, and a family to support, Carrie applied for Social Security disability benefits. Her benefits allow her to get the rest she needs and helps with the cost of her medicines. Her disability benefits also make it possible for her to feed and clothe her children.
When she needed it the most, Carrie turned to the system she had paid into throughout her working life. Social Security provides some measure of protection for workers and their families from the loss of income because of disability.
The Social Security Act sets a very strict definition of disability. Social Security pays benefits to insured people who can’t work because they have a medical condition that’s expected to last at least one year or result in death. Because the eligibility requirements are so strict, our disability beneficiaries are among the most severely impaired people in the country.
Social Security is so much more than just retirement benefits, as Carrie will tell you. We’re not just going to be there for you in retirement. We’re here to protect you now, in the event of disability, or to provide survivors benefits if a loved one you depend on dies. We’re here for you through life’s journey, securing today and tomorrow.
We invite you to visit our Faces and Facts of Disability website to meet people who succeed despite having a disability.
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Tags: Disability, survivors benefits
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Jim Borland, Assistant Deputy Commissioner, Communications
Jim Borland, Assistant Deputy Commissioner, Communications
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jessica
i need help jessica p tyner 8643619653
Gail D.
Need to know what my monthly benefits.
Cynthia D.
I am a rep payee for my disabled sister. I need an award letter for her. Cathy R Little is her name.*** – ** – *** is her ssn. I need a letter for 2018. I am her legal guardian Cynthia Duncan. 12/25/2018
Donald B.
I need an award letter. How can I get ahold of that?
Ray F.
Hello Donald. If you need proof you get Social Security benefits, Supplemental Security (SSI) Income or Medicare, you can request a benefit verification letter (sometimes called an “award letter”), online by using your personal my Social Security account. Thanks!
mary j.
This is a great article. love it
Ray F.
Thank you, Mary! Your thoughts are important to us and we’re pleased when feedback is positive.
starcraft r.
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MaryLou H.
To Whom it may concern. May father is a señor citizen who had a fall on Jan of 2018, he had to get a hip replacement , that left him on the wheel chair. He still cannot walk on his own, he has a hospital bed in his bed room. He has had therapy, but still cannot walk. He also has Dementia. And bad cause of arthritis, which he cannot use his left had. He is only getting social security. Can he get disability also? With this injury of his, that has left him unable to do much.?
Ray F.
Hello Marylou. We are sorry to hear of your father’s medical troubles.
Unfortunately, if a person has reached his or her full retirement age and is receiving Social Security retirement, they will not be eligible for disability benefits. The Supplemental Security Income (SSI) pays benefits to individuals age 65 or older with limited income or resources. In 2018, the SSI monthly payment for an individual is $750.00.
Your father may be eligible to receive additional assistance from the state where he lives. These services include Medicaid, free meals, housekeeping help, transportation or help with other problems. You can get information about services in your area from your state or local social services office. You can also visit the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services web page for more information.
We hope this information helps.
best k.
Hello there@ Thank you, for sharing this wonderful information. keep it up.
Bonita W.
I am trying to fine out how I can change my mom’s direct depost to a new account, She was put into a nursing home and I am her POA and need to move her account to a different bank and when I went on line it showed no one could make an account for her except her. she is not able to do that. Not sure what I need to do to get that part changed.
Ray F.
Hello Bonita, you can only create a my Social Security account using your own personal information and for your own exclusive use. You cannot create or use an account on behalf of another person. Please note that having a “Power of Attorney” does not give you legal authority to manage the payments for someone receiving Social Security or SSI benefits. If your mother needs help managing her benefits, including changing direct deposit information, you may be interested in applying to become her representative payee. As a representative payee, you will have access to your mother’s records and the ability to update her account information when needed.
A face-to-face interview is required when applying to be someone’s representative payee. If your mother cannot be present, a statement from her doctor or the nursing home would be helpful. The statement should say that your mother is not able to -mentally and physically- manage her Social Security benefits and identify you as the person responsible to keep her finances in order.
Please read our publication: A Guide For Representative Payees for more information. If you have specific questions, or to make an appointment with the local Social Security office, please call 1-800-772-1213 Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and speak to one of our representatives. Generally, you’ll have a shorter wait time if you call later in the week. Thanks