Social Security Administration Expands Outreach and Access for Supplemental Security Income
Reading Time: 2 MinutesLast Updated: May 25, 2023
Kilolo Kijakazi, Acting Commissioner of Social Security, announced that the agency has expanded its outreach to people in critical need of financial help who may be eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
SSI provides monthly payments to adults age 65 and older or to other adults – and children – with a disability or blindness who have limited income and financial resources. SSI helps pay for basic needs like rent, food, clothing, and medicine.
“Helping eligible people access critical benefits, including SSI, is part of Social Security’s core mission,” said Acting Commissioner Kijakazi. “Underserved communities face additional challenges, like unreliable or no access to the internet and computers, that widen the divide. Social Security’s campaign strives to reach people in their communities to tell them about the eligibility criteria for SSI, and how to contact us online at www.ssa.gov/ssi or by phone for more information or an appointment to apply.” The campaign supports President Biden’s Executive Order 13985, Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government.
Social Security used data to identify and reach underserved communities in rural and urban areas across the country where it noted the greatest decline in SSI applications since the pandemic, and where the majority of people living in those zip codes are people of color and/or people living at or below the 150 percent Federal poverty threshold.
Social Security’s campaign uses a variety of ways to reach people, including radio and television public service announcements (PSA), radio ads, mailers, bus shelter and other large signs, flyers distributed to local stores, and printed publications in several language options.
Watch the 60-second television PSA below.
Individuals who receive SSI may qualify for other financial help, including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (formerly known as food stamps), Medicaid, and discounted internet service through the Federal Trade Commission’s Affordable Connectivity Program. Individuals who receive Social Security benefits may also be eligible for SSI.
People with limited income and financial resources, and with access to the internet, should visit www.ssa.gov/ssi to learn more about SSI eligibility and request an appointment to apply for benefits. People without access to the internet can call Social Security’s National 800 Number at 1-800-772-1213 to speak with a representative.
In addition to this campaign, Social Security recently proposed simplifications to the SSI program when people are receiving food assistance. The proposed changes will simplify the rules, making it easier to understand and comply with program requirements. This will save time for the public and Social Security and improve the equitable treatment of food assistance within the SSI program. Social Security accepted comments about the proposed rule through April 17, 2023.
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Tags: Commissioner, online services, SSI, supplemental security income
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Chelsie B.
I cannot get in touch with a live person for SSI no matter what I do. I’ve been waiting over a year for help with my father. I hope this means you are going to start speeding up the process and approving those who really need it without making us jump through endless hoops and dead ends. We feel like all hope is lost.
A.C.
Hi, Chelsie. We are sorry to hear about your experience. We encourage you to work with your local Social Security office. You can ask to speak to a manager on your next call or visit. We hope this is resolved soon.
Christopher H.
Of this true, then how come the SSA Office: 401 W PEACHTREE STREET NW, STE 2860 FLR 28, ATLANTA, GA. 30308 and 3554 COVINGTON HWY,DECATUR, GA 30032, telling a 65 year old Black male that he would never get SSI-SUPPLEMENTAL SECURITY INCOME, that he has to be Disabled to qualify for it, have to Apply for SOCIAL SECURITY RETIREMENT or SPOUSAL BENEFITS first in order to get SSI, that he never wanted to apply for SSI and that “YOU TOLD US YOU DO NOT WANT TO FILE A CLAIM FOR SSI” which was a reason on one of the 8-9 SSA ETTERS that was sent to him between 5/2/2023 and 5/11/2023 instead of sending him email messages as requested by him and required by SSA since he OPT-OUT OF RECEIVING USPS MAIL. Now, they are saying this: “WE HAVE CAREFULLY REVIEWED THE FACTS OF YOUR CASE AND HAVE APPROVED THE CLAIM FOR SUPPLEMENTAL SECURITY INCOME (SSI) BENEFITS THAT YOU FILED ON APRIL 26, 2023. AS OF APRIL 2023 YOU MET ALL THE RULES TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR SSI BASED ON BEING AGE 65 OR OLDER.” Which was a SSA LETTER DATED 5/11/2023. While a earlier SSA LETTER dated 3/25/2023 and 5/2/2023 Stated: “ON APRIL 26, 2023, WE TALKED WITH YOU ABOUT YOUR ELIGIBILITY FOR SUPPLEMENTAL SECURITY INCOME (SSI). BASED ON THAT TALK, WE HAVE !ARE AN INFORMAL DECISION THAT YOU ARE NOT ELIGIBLE FOR SSI. THIS IMFORMAL DECISION IS ONLY ABOUT YOUR ELIGIBILITY FOR SSI. THIS DECISION IS NOT ABOUT ELIGIBILITY FOR SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS OR MEDICARE. WHY YOU ARE NOT ELIGIBLE? WE BELIEVE YOU ARE NOT ELIGIBLE FOR SSI FOR THE REASON SHOWN BELOW: YOU TOLD US YOU DO NOT WANT TO FILE FOR A CLAIM FOR SSI.” Another SSA LETTER dated 5/10 /2023 stated: “WE ARE WRITING TO YOU ABOUT YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS. WHAT YOU KNOW: THE STATE OF GEORGIA WILL PAY YOUR MEDICARE MEDICAL INSURANCE PREMIUM BEGINNING FEBRUARY 2023.” Without an explanation of WHY? ! The rest of that SSA LETTER stated: “SUSPECT SOCIAL SECURITY FRAUD? PLEASE VISIT http://OIG.SSA.GOV/R OR CALL THE INSPECTOR GENERAL’S FRAUD HOTLINE AT 1-800-269-0271. IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS: IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS ABOUT THE STATE MEDICAID PROGRAM, PLEASE CONTACT YOUR STATE PUBLIC ASSISTANCE OFFICE.” At the end of all these letters the wrong local AS A OFFICE was listed: SOCIAL SECURITY, ATE 2860, FLR 28, 401 W PEACHTREE STREET NW, ATLANTA, GA. 30308. Which is not his local SSA OFFICE. His former local SSA OFFICE was: SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION, 200 CHASTAIN CENTER BLVD, SUITE 250, KENNESAW, GA. 30144. is current local SSA OFFICE IS: 3554 COVINGTON HWY, DECATUR, GA. 30144 which was he office he went to back in NOVEMBER 7, 2022 to apply for SSI in person since he received no response from SSA when he applied online twice in October on the 24th and 25th in year 2022. A letter from the GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY HEALTH (with GOVERNOR BRIAN P. KEMP AND CO!!ISSIONER CAYLEE NOGGLE on it , dated 5/5/2023 stated: “NOTICE OF MEDICAID STATUS: YOU ARE ELIGIBLE FOR MEDICAID BECAUSE YOU WERE PAID AND CONTUNUE TO E PAID SUPPLEMENTAL SECURITY INCOME (SSI) THROUGH THE SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION. MEDICAID AND SSI GO TOGETHER. THIS NOTICE IS YOUR ONLY PROOF OF ELIGIBILITY FOR THESE MONTHS. TAKE THIS NOTICE TO YOUR MEDICAL CARE PROVIDERS AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. ASK YOUR PROVIDERS TO FILE A CLAIM WITH US IF YOU HAVE UNPAID MEDICAL BILLS FOR ANY OF THESE MONTHS.” It goes on to say under “OTHER INFORMATION: IF YOU HAVE UNPAID MEDICAL BILLS INCURRED IMMEDIATELY PRIOR TO APPLYING FOR OR RECEIVING SSI, YOU MAY BE ELIGIBLE FOR MEDICAID TO PAY FOR THESE UNPAID MEDICAL BILLS. CONTACT YOUR LOCAL COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF FAMILY AND CHILDREN SERVICES TO APPLY FOR PRIOR MONTHS MEDICAID. IF YOU ADD ALREADY HAVE MEDICARE INSURANCE THROUGH THE SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION, THEN MEDICAID WILL PAY YOUR MEDICARE COST SHARE. !EDUCATE COST SHARE (OUT-OF-POCKET EXPENSES) INCLUDE THE MONTHLY INSURANCE PREMIUM, THE YEARLY DEDUCTIBLE AND THE COINSURANCE CHARGES.” ” NOTE: IF YOU EVER REFUSED MEDICARE INSURANCE BECAUSE YOU DID NOT WANT TO PAY THE MONTHLY PREMIUM, THEN YOU !AH NOW WANT TO APPLY FOR MEDICARE. MEDICAID WILL PAY THE MONTHLY PREMIUM FOR YOU UNDER THE OMB PROGRAM. HOWEVER, MEDICAID WILL PAY YOUR HOSPITAL AND MEDICAL EXPENSES EVEN IF YOU DO NOT HAVE MEDICARE. YOU WOULD APPLY FOR QMB AT YOUR LOCAL COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF FAMILY AND CHILDREN SERVICES. ” Then on 5/15/2023 another SSA LETTER stated this: “WE ARE WRITING TO LET YOU KNOW THAT WE’VE PAID YOU $914.00 TOO MUCH SUPPLEMENTAL SECURITY INCOME (SSI) MONEY. THE OVERPAYMENT HAPPENED IN MAY 2023. YOU WERE OVERPAID BECAUSE YOU DID NOT FILE FOR THE OTHER BENEFITS. WE HAVE ATTACHED TO THIS LETTER A DETAILED EXPLANATION OF YOUR OVERPAYMENT. YOU MUST PAY US BACK UNLESS WE DECIDE YOU SHOULDN’T HAVE TO PAY US BACK OR WE’RE WRONG ABOUT THE OVERPAYMENT. IF YOU THINK YOU SHOULDN’T HAVE TO PAY US BACK OR YOU DISAGREE WITH THE DECISION ABOUT THE OVERPAYMENT, YOU CAN: ASK FOR A WAIVER, ASK FOR AN APPEAL, OR DO BOTH. THIS LETTER WILL TELL YOU MORE ABOUT THESE THINGS YOU CAN DO. DO YOU THINK THAT YOU DO NOT OWE THIS MONEY?………..IF YOU THINK YOU SHOULD NOT HAVE TO PAY US BACK……..IF YOU DISAGREE WITH THE DECISION…….HOW TO APPEAL……..IF YOU WANT HELP WITH YOUR APPEAL…..HOW TO PAY US BACK……IF YOU RECEIVE SOCIAL SECURITY PAYMENTS…….SUSPECT SOCIAL SECURITY FRAUD……NEED MORE HELP…..HOW ARE WE DOING ? GO TO http://WWW.SSA.GOV/FEEDBACK TO TELL US. Signed, SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION. ENCLOSURE(S): A DETAILED EXPLANATION OF YOUR OVERPAYMENT PAYMENT STUB REFUND ENVELOPE. ” Again it had the wrong local SSA OFFICE listed: SOCIAL SECURITY, STE 2860 FLR 28, 401 W PEACHTREE STREET NW, ATLANTA, GA. 30308. I have never been to its office to apply for anything not met a Black male employee by re name of D. Williams- he refused to give this gentleman his first name or full name when asked several times on November 7th, 2022. This SSA LETTER with attachment is 7 pages long front and back mostly. They are so unprofessional they even sent him a second SSA OFFICE LETTER dated also 5/15/2023 that stated: “WE PLAN TO LOWER YOUR MONTHLY SUPPLEMEMTAL SECURITY INCOME (SSI) PAYMENT FROM $914.00 TO $0.00 BEGINNING JUNE 2023. THE AMOUNT WILL CHANGE BECAUSE YOU DID NOT APPLY FOR AND TAKE ALL NECESSARY STEPS TO OBTAIN ANY OTHER BENEFITS OR PAYMENTS FOR WHICH YOU MAY QUALIFY. WE ARE ALSO CHANGING THE AMOUNT YOU WERE DUE FOR MAY 2023. YOUR AMOUNT CHANGED BECAUSE YOU DID NOT APPLY FOR TAKE ALL NECESSARY STEPS TO OBTAIN ANY OTHER BENEFITS OR PAYMENTS FOR WHICH YOU MAY QUALIFY.” Didn’t they just say that twice or even make any since to anyone ?! Then that same SSA LETTER stated this: “YOUR PAST PAYMENTS: THE FOLLOWING CHART SHOWS YOUR PREVIOUS AMOUNT AND THE CIRRECTED AMOUNT FOR THE MONTH THAT CANGED. FROM MAY 2023 THROUGH !AH 2023 PREVIOUS MONTHLY AMOUNT $91400 CORRECTED !MONTHLY AMOUNT $0.00. INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR BACK PAYMENTS: WE WILL SEND YOU ANOTHER LETTER ABOUT ANY OVERPAYMENT. INFORMATION ABOUT MEDICAID: FOR INFORMATION ABOUT ANY CHANGES IN YOUR MEDICAID ELIGIBILITY CAUSED BY THIS ACTION, YOU SHOULD GET IN TOUCH WITH THE LOCAL DEPARTMENT OF FAMILY AND CHILDREN SERVICES. YOU CAN REVIEW THE INFORMATION IN YOUR CASE: THE DECISION IN THIS LETTER ARE BASED ON THE LAW AND INFORMATION IN OUR RECORDS. YOU HAVE A RIGHT TO REVIEW AND GET COPIES OF RE INFORMATION ON OUR RECORDS THAT WE USED TO MAKE THE DECISIONS EXPLAINED IN THIS LETTER YOU ALSO HAVE A RIGHT TO REVIEW AND COPY THE LAWS, REGULATIONS, AND POLICY STATEMENTS USED IN DECIDING YOUR CASE. TO DO SO, PLEASE CONTACT US. OUR TELEPHONE NUMBER AND ADDRESS ARE SHOWN UNDER THE HEADING ” NEED MORE HELP? ” THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW: WE HAVE MADE A NEW DECISION ON YOUR CASE. IT REPLACES ALL EARLIER DECISIONS FOR THE ABOVE PERIOD. IF YOU DISAGREE: IF YOU DISAGREE WITH THIS DECISION, YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO APPEAL. A PERSON……;TIME TO FILE AN APPEAL: YOU HAVE 60 DAYS TO FILE AN APPEAL. THE 60 DAYS START THE DAY AFTER YOU GET THIS LETTER. WE WILL ASSUME YOU GOT NBA TH IS LETTER 5 DAYS AFTER THE DATE ON THE LETTER, UNLESS YOU SHOW IS YOU DID NOT GET IT WITHIN THE 5 DAY PERIOD. YOU MUST HAVE A GOOD REASON FOR WAITING MORE THAN 60 DAYS TO FILE AN APPEAL. HOW TO APPEAL: YOU MUST REQUEST THE APPEAL IN WRITING. YOU CAN GO TO http://WWW..SSA.GOV/NON-MEDICAL/APPEAL TO COMPLETE AND SUBMIT THE “REQUEST FOR RECONSIDERATION ” FORM, FROM SSA-561-U2 ONLINE. YOU MAY ALSO CONTACT US BY PHONE TO REQUEST THE FORM OR GO TO OUR WEBSITE AT http://WWW.SSA.GOV/FORMS TO LOCATE THE FORM. IF YOU NEED HELP WITH THE FORM, PLEASE CALL US. THERE ARE 2 TYPES OF APPEALS. IN MOST CASES, YOU CAN CHOOSE THE ONE YOU WANT. CASE REVIEW…….INFORMAL CONFERENCE…… IF YOU WANT HELP WITH YOUR APPEAL:….. ” Once again the wrong local office is listed like it was in all the other 7-8 SSA LETTERS and ends with the statement: “HOW ARE WE DOING? GO TO http://WWW.SSA.GOV/FEEDBACK TO TELL US. SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION.” This letter is 4 pages long front and back. They are so determined to keep this Black Senior Male from getting SSI and the needed help and assistance that he needs since he he is also Homeless, unemployed, has no income of any kind living in the streets, with no savings, very little checking, no assets, no other benefits other than EBT to purchase food, a Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plan for his high blood pressure medication, MEDICARE,and now MEDICAID which makes him eligible for SSI , which is to be used to pay for a roof over his head and other needs, due to having DUAL COVERAGE. All of which he applied for with SSA Office Online, Medicare Online, SSI Online and in Person in Kennesaw, GA, Extra Help with Medicare Part B Premium through the GEORGIA DEPARTMENT of Family&Children Services ,The Georgia Department of Community Health, Department of Health & Human Services, and The Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
So, can anybody tell me why the 4 Black SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION employees, 2 males and 2 females, want to do badly keep someone from Receiving SSI when the person qualifies for it. looks like I me , either they are jealous or greedy and trying to steal that check. Whatever the reason, they need to be fired.
Melissa
My disabled daughter receives SSI and I recently applied for disability due to a rare stomach disease. We are really struggling and I would like to know if we can get any additional help as we live in a thriving area in north Alabama and the housing market has tripled in cost.I have started researching the grants and loans on the housing website but it is very difficult to know exactly the best route.
We already receive Medicaid and get a very minimum amount from SNAP
A.C.
Hi, Melissa. We are sorry to hear about your daughter’s condition. She may be eligible to receive social services from the state in which she lives. These services include free meals, housekeeping help, transportation, or help with other problems. To get information about services in his area and find out if she qualifies, she will need to contact her state or local social services or welfare office. We hope this information is helpful.
Stephanie S.
Of course I have no idea what’s available in your area … as I live in Missoula Montana
When I applied for SSDI .. I went to a place that completely helps you gather information, apply, and directs you into any further assistance you may qualify for. It was called Summit Independent Living.. all free to anyone. I didn’t even have to contact Drs to get records .. everything was done for me and quickly… maybe look into if there’s such a place there to help you? Or look up the place I mentioned to get an idea to research places? I wish you the best.. the housing here is the very same.. I was fortunate to move in with a friend..
Sande
Social security should prioritize better. Huge back log of applications but this article states trying to reach out more to underserved communities. For what? To wait? You are not handling the applications you have now. We all paid into ss and should not be treated like we are cheating the government out of something. We made an agreement to pay in then receive back when we need or retire. You should have strict timeliness to.processing applications for at least regular retirement. I can’t even get an estimate when I will receive and it’s been 3 months since filing. Absolutely no estimate when I can expect it. Site says 2 to 4 weeks for most but no absolute by a certain time. This is unacceptable.
Chelsie
Amen!!! Talk to anyone waiting on a SS decision. It is the most mentally draining and stressful thing ever. So many people become homeless while waiting for help. They need to take care of the applications they have now!
Lorie E.
I’m not sure what you’re asking for. I took early retirement at 62. I am 64 now and need help desperately but I get turned away because I’m not 65, what can I do?
A.C.
Hi, Lorie. Thanks for visiting our blog. 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 questions. You can call us at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, between 8:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., for assistance. You can also contact your local Social Security office. We hope this helps.
Necessarily R.
Well, I wonder what difference this will make. Whether SSI or SSD for workers who became disabled after years of paying into it, the benefits are denied regardless of devastating cognitive decline, as an example. With severe resultant disability shown by SSA’s own experts. Some people cannot endure the abuse by Administrative Law judges and do not get what they paid into since they cannot appear and offer themselves up for that. It is a crime. And work, for some people, is a loser’s game.
Danny B.
Hello. I collect SSDI (Disability) and can barely get by. I also get the minimum allowed for EBT. Now, my rent has increased TWICE within a year. I need extra financial help. Can I apply for SSI? Thank you!
A.C.
Hi, Danny. Thanks for visiting our blog. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a needs-based disability program that pays benefits to people with limited income and resources who are disabled, blind, or age 65 or older. Blind or disabled children may also get SSI. S There are times when people can receive both SSI and SSDI, depending on their situation and whether they meet the requirements. For more information about the SSI program and how to apply, please visit our Supplemental Security Income webpage. We hope this helps.
Lilian b.
What is all this going on that seniors are getting extra cash with a card to purchase food up $2000 – $3000 .
I applied only get $20-60. Food.
My dad applied he is disabled & blind they only give him $21 food.
How is he to purchase diapers and other medical items he needs.
CMP
Will SSDI and Eligibility thresholds become relative? If disabled then eligible for Medicaid is a given.
Now, SSDI = amount paid in, yet folks with more time and money put into insurance (not entitlement) exceed most program eligibility limits = denied services. Same needs, same disability.
Seems all things should be relative rather than harder for folks who worked the hardest and longest. Same needs, same disability.
Make disability relative not discriminative. Thank you
Rebecca P.
After filing SSI, my adult son has no income. I would like to know, through SS or local DHS, other than food card,(he has), and Medicaid, what sort of monthly help and who should we reach out to gain personal need funding grants, and are there ANY programs other than what he has, that can pay him a sm. Monthly, personal needs $ ? Rebecca
John J.
Check with your county public assistance office. Remember that income from another source will reduce the SSI dollar for dollar less the 20 dollar disreguard.
A.C.
Hi, Rebecca. We are sorry to hear about your son’s situation. He may be eligible to receive social services from the state in which he lives. These services include free meals, housekeeping help, transportation, or help with other problems. To get information about services in his area and find out if he qualifies, he will need to contact his state or local social services or welfare office. We hope this information is helpful.