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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Evelyn L.
I didn’t receive anything extra. Every state should get it. Or no state should get it.
Richard R.
No
Hollie E.
SSI is a joke and definately needs restructure. I fully advocate and support adult twin sons with a full autism diagnosis by a neurologist as well as psycologist and psychological evaluations since early intervention preschoolers as well psychological evaluations as an adult which shows no change in a lifetime of said disability. Unfortunately, even allowing my son’s to work part time jobs that they could handle as autistic and they didn’t need to socialize, the part time wage income was deemed too high and they can no longer recieve SS/SSI. It’s rediculous. I didn’t throw them into a system at 18 yrs. Because I wanted them to work and succeed and try vs. Being lazy with a disability. They went to repeated attempts of job interviewing and Mc Donald’s didn’t even want them even with 4yr engineering degrees we pushed them into completing with theyre high IQs aka high functioning autism. At the age of 27 and not being able to find local help in my state for them based on their higher education with disabilities. I finally went to social security and applied them due to not being able to support them the rest of their lives.. Unfortunately, because they never had an income, it was basically held against them in a mere $700 per month check to survive on which would never cover rent in a trailer jand allowed for medical needs as they fell off of our insurance at 26 yrs old. Because the monthly income was so low and i knew they would never survive after my passing, I forced them to continue looking for a job. Once working a part time job loading trucks at UPS where there is no need or reason for verbal communications. We sent a letter as directed and reported it to Social Security. They were immediately Dropped from all services and help. Almost like SS and SSI gave the boot because we wanted them to Succeed VS. Allowing them to sit home with autism and getting a check and medical for doing nothing. Does social security want adults on the spectrum to work or Not? If they claim that they choose for one to work, then why make it hard on an autistic to do so. As a matter of fact! SS/SSI then demanded that the small monthly checks from SS SSI be returned from the part time wages they had made. Disgusting. Social Security and SSI state they want you to work but then you work part time at a job without medical for an autistic who cant affird it and they take your medical away as a punishment for trying to work and do the right thing. I guess everyone should just sit back and collect making No attempts to better their lives and No attempts to save SS SSI benefits for the next person. This is Exactly what happened to an Autistic 28 yr old who doesn’t even watch TV and has never even dated due to severe social skills. The kicker is when they claim they want to help you in achieving a job and medical coverage so that you can eventually succeed. Definately sounds like your in need of a meeting at S.S. when you make it hard for anyone to get a job to support yourself with a disability because you make these promises without actually helping. And now the benefits will increase making our entire situation worse because it would have been easier just to let my adult autistic sons sit in a room all day. Craziness!
Jan M.
Hollie E. – I’m sorry you’re having problems but maybe keep in mind there’s a million other folks who deal with far worse problems than your mile long list of complaints & they are grateful for what they do have. Might help you to appreciate what you do have. (Tip: Also is important to use correct grammar & spelling for personal credibility)
Barbara B.
I represent disabled adult children apply for SSI in Texas. I have had trouble connecting to 4 particular SSA office, Georgetown, Conroe, Houston SW, and Houston NE. Before Covid I would fax in information and then call their office to be sure they received everything. Now I can’t call because they either route all calls to the national number or don’t answer the phone. I am at a loss as to how to work with SSA if a person cannot speak with a field agent. I serve a vulnerable population who need and deserve the attention and respect from the Social Security Administration.
A.C.
Hi, Barbara. 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 have also referred your concerns to our Operations Staff. We hope this helps.
Teresa S.
Okay here we go no I’ve been trying to get my disability for 5 years okay I did was recently got approved yeah what a boat and I’ll still up I’m in a boat with no paddles and sinking I’m in big trouble so I have no money and why can’t I get my money now I mean it’s my money right I really need help bad real bad I don’t know where to turn to is crazy got to be some way it’s like. enough I mean no stuff anymore I need help bad money now I what lights got turned off husband passed away. I mean I need criteria they tell me that I can’t apply for them I can’t get anything. Need help I’m low priority. Order 13985 I hope
A.C.
Hi, Teresa. We are sorry to hear about your situation. 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. You also may be eligible to receive social services from the state in which you live. These services include free meals, housekeeping help, transportation, or help with other problems. To get information about services in your area and find out if you qualify, you will need to contact your state or local social services or welfare office. We hope this helps.
Stephanie G.
I tried to apply for ssi. I had to wait 5 years! Wihin those 5 years of waiting my health declined and so did my mental health. They were going on the visit I had with their doctor 5 years back! It makes me sick! I receive in home supportive services!, I was granted a disabled parking pass…what more do they want!
Susan H.
I’ve raised my granddaughter since 3 months of age. During the first grade the school had her tested and said she had a low IQ, within a short period of time she was tested for being on the autism spectrum and it was determined that she had Asperger’s syndrome and was put in Special Education, with an IEP which lasted until she was 21. She was trained to be a lunch room lady and has had several part time jobs since then, she is now 35. I supply housing for her but am 77 and not sure how long I will be able to continue. She loves working but can only handle part time work. That will not work for supporting herself when I am no longer here to help her. She applied for SSD hoping to receive some supplemental income to help her with her part time income. Even though she was in SpecEd she has been denied assistance. I am not very healthy and am so concerned about her future welfare. I cannot find her complete diagnosis in her school paperwork. I don’t know what to do and need suggestions as to how I can help her. Thanks for listening.
A.C.
Hi, Susan. Thanks for visiting our blog. Your granddaughter may be eligible to receive social services from the state in which you live. These services include free meals, housekeeping help, transportation, or help with other problems. To get information about services in your area and find out if she qualifies, you will need to contact your state or local social services or welfare office. We hope this helps.
Dennis P.
You should contact DSS, which is the Department of social services, I do not know which state you are in but in your computer search query box put in DSS and then your state. your state should have a Ombudsman program, I suggest contacting your state for an Ombudsman to represent you for social security disability and/or SSI, supplemental security Income. although your granddaughter may be 35, senior centers for your city have personnel who can fill out applications for state and federal assistance for handicapped persons and can let you know any and all programs your granddaughter would qualify for and get the ball rolling. I hope this information helps.
Hollie E.
Hi Susan. I totally understand where you’re coming from as I fully advocate and support adult twin sons with a full autism diagnosis by a neurologist as well as psycologist at age 28. My recommendation to you as an advocate is to call a local psycologist and have an adult psychological evaluation done as proof. I would also recommend calling which ever schools she attended and ask to speak to special education/special services. They are required to hold all IEPs as well as CSE meeting mimutes and paperwork on her. Tell them you need copies of everything they have. This will be past and present proof of disability which cannot be denied for full diagnosis. Keep in mind that she is an adult by law and will need to sign off on everything you do as well. Its typically easier to do a (POA) Power of Attorney for her so that you can speak on her behalf if she has social skill issues. Hope this helps you. God Bless
Craig W.
Hello again,
I’m a vivid reader and can’t help noticing that more news coming in stating facts about ie…
That 40 states are getting an increase in benefits plus $500 on top of this, but I haven’t gotten no no notice or phone calls regarding these happening. ??
Carol
Same here too
Craig W.
Good morning,
My name is Craig & I have a question if I may.
I’m currently on SSDI & I’m not working because of my newly severity of limitations due to increase of physical problems that has limited my abilities to work. I was told that I can now apply for SSI to my existence to my SSDI I have now?
Lee A.
I’m trying to get information about the $500 checks being issued to SS recipients. If you receive SS can you apply for this benefit? It has been approved in the state where I reside.
Bradley B.
My family’s current situation is as dire critical as it can nearly get I
am desperate.
I filed for Social Security disability benefits on behalf of my
64 yr old
Brother in the same week he had
a major stroke in January of 2021
my Brother’s stroke related impairments are devastating he’s unable to communicate verbally or written nor gesture bodily with sufficient accuracy he’s unable to make informed decisions he’s severely globally aphasic has severe cardiomyopathy only a 20% cardiac function
requires 24 7 supervision assistance dependent heavy incontinent time’s two
Hospital discharged homebound hospices approved and noted by treating Physician’s they’d not be surprised if the patient died inside one year. Medical records are very clearly defining of an individual with everything I’d previously mentioned and moreover his medical records make it clear in no uncertain terms my brother is disabled.
Denied at initial denied at recon appeal citing an UNCOOPERATIVE CLAIMANT unwilling to provide medical evidence of an alleged disability.
Three DDS disability determination services reps pounded us inside out tossed us upside down into an abysmal hell without any hope what’s so ever. Our submitted medical records and forms filled out including an SSA 3380 BK adult third-party function report LOST all lost. We’re awaiting a date for the administrative law judge hearing its been nearly 12 months Still no date our situation is gross.
We are enduring on NOT ENOUGH income my brother is bed bound on a tattered pissed out awful sofa I have to scrub out 24 7 I’m laundering by hand soiled bedding 24 7 by hand through the kitchen sink and shower stall blowing off the heavy outside with a garden hose our washing machine and dryer busted 2 years ago. My brother is in failing health he’s needed certain durable medical equipment since day one like an bed a portable commode bed pans wheelchair etc I have communicated this a thousand times to a brick wall I am sick myself we’re in deep shit hurting soap bleach ensure it’s so hopeless they’re not interested in helping. I wish it were otherwise
Dennis P.
I suggest going to DSS, department of social services of your state, also go to your cities senior center (disabled helped as well regardless of age) as they fill out and submit applications for state and federal programs and connect you with other assistance, an Ombudsman (State Attorney) as well. hope this information helps!
Paula K.
Are people on SSI in Oregon getting additional benefits in June?