Outreach to Vulnerable Populations During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Reading Time: 2 MinutesLast Updated: April 2, 2021
Last week, over 1,500 people joined me on a national conference call to learn how their organizations can help the Social Security Administration assist our most vulnerable populations during COVID-19. Participants included representatives of the non-profit community, health care organizations, private industry, Federal, State, and local government, and Congress. The response was nothing short of extraordinary and serves as an example of the public service spirit that unites us all.
Now, more than ever, it is vital that we join together to serve our most vulnerable populations. People who struggle with low-income, limited English proficiency, homelessness, or with mental illness, have historically relied on meeting with us in person at our local offices to get the help they need. With our offices currently unable to accept walk-in visitors to protect both our beneficiaries and our work force during the pandemic, it is essential that we continue to engage with the public online, on the telephone, and by appointment for limited, critical situations.
To address the challenge of continuing to serve those who need us most, we’ve joined with external partners to launch a new national outreach campaign. The goal of the campaign is to connect eligible individuals to Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits. The SSI and SSDI programs provide critical financial assistance, including life-saving access to healthcare and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program in many cases.
Key components of our outreach campaign include:
- Working with community-based groups that can assist with taking applications for SSI and SSDI.
- Launching a national advertising campaign on TV, radio, and social media, with emphasis on children with disabilities.
- Adding a number of new online tools and informational pages, including:
- Online resources for People Helping Others access our services.
- Online Outreach Materials for Vulnerable Populations for partner groups to use.
- Updated information for Faith-Based and Community Groups, including a new toolkit and fact sheets about SSI and SSDI.
I want to thank the White House Office of Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships for working with us and sharing our website and products with their national network of faith and community leaders.
I also want to thank members of the claimant advocacy community for their collaboration on this campaign. We will feature their perspectives on serving vulnerable populations on this blog site over the coming weeks.
Please be sure to subscribe to this blog so that you receive alerts whenever we publish new articles from our partners. We will also share the latest information about our national outreach campaign here.
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Tags: COVID-19, Disability, People Facing Barriers, Social Security benefits
See CommentsAbout the Author
Andrew Saul, Commissioner, Social Security Administration
Commissioner of Social Security Administration (June 17, 2019 - July 9, 2021)
Comments
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Margaret J.
Is there any word about Benefits getting an extra 200 on our payments
rayan
It was great. Visit our website.
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James
Hi. I have 2 questions.
1. If we create an online social security account, does it show things like CDR reviews that have been sent out by mail? I ask because mail delivery in my building is not the best, and I’m concerned I could miss a review.
2. I recall reading that CDR reviews and other things were put on hold a while back when pandemic started. Are CDRs now being done and if so, are they delayed do to the earlier stoppage?
Thanks in advance for your help with my questions.
Debra A.
I have direct deposit, I received the first two stimulus checks, and I’m eligible for the third. I’m on SSDI, but here it is 4/23/2021, and still no stimulus. Who do I contact, because I don’t file taxes.
A.C.
Hi, Debra. The IRS, not Social Security, sends all economic impact payments. Unfortunately, our telephone representatives and social media team cannot answer your specific situation about payments. You can find the latest information available from the IRS website. If you don’t see the answer to your question, you can call the IRS’ payment hotline at 1-800-919-9835. Thanks!
New s.
amazing content, everyone should learn and share this
Gregg T.
Two more months since any statement on re-opening offices and taxpayers are still shut out?
Businesses that I know had to ‘figure it out’ over a year ago. I’m retired and have been locked out of my online account now for a full year. I’ve called several times.
IMHO….ridiculous.
A.C.
Hi, Gregg. We are sorry to hear about your experience. You can submit feedback by visiting our Contact Social Security page. Once there, select the “Email Us” link. This will take you to the “Email A Question to our Support Team” form where you can complete and submit a compliment, complaint, or suggestion. We hope this helps.
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s c.
During this major COVID 19 pandemic. How and why does Social Security Administration hold recipients responsible for mail they did NOT receive even to the point of stopping their benefits in this major deadly COVID 19 outbreak? Does anyone have an answer at at least logical response. Thanks
A.C.
Hi, S C. We are sorry to hear about your experience and situation. For your security, we do not have access to private information in this venue. We ask that members in our Blog community to continue to work with our offices with specific questions. You can ask to speak to a supervisor on your next call. We hope this helps.
Lost m.
I really am in desperate need for an advocate to assist me in being able to assist me in reapplying for benefits after being denied in court.
A.C.
Hi. For your security, we do not have access to private information in this venue. We ask that members in our Blog community work with our offices with specific concerns. You can call us at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, between 8:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., for assistance. Generally, you will have a shorter wait if you call later in the day. You can also contact your local Social Security office. We hope this helps.