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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LL
If approved for Supplemental Security Income is there a set monthly total amount received or is the amount determined based on other factors?
Ann C.
Hi, LL. Thanks for your question. The Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program is a needs based program that pays benefits to disabled adults and children who have limited income and resources. SSI amounts are based, in part, on the income available to recipients and can vary depending on where an individual lives, since some states provide supplemental payments. For more information about the SSI program and how to apply, please visit our Supplemental Security Income webpage. We hope this helps.
Miguel
I’ma in a very awkward situation n honestly need some reassurance or positive correspondence due to untrustworthy media outlets /hackers and loss of trust to of local agencies. LoL .feeling a little stagnant in my situation and highly pressured to go forward in corrective actions. I have wat appears to be a birth certificate or . Worse. Just need verification that ur agency is still recognizing or validating such projects so I kan proceed accordingly.
Christina V.
I have been since a letter that I’m supposed to review and send so I can have an attorney represent me on my case. With the email I cannot get it to send I have 15 days before it expires can somebody help me
Ann C.
Hi, Christina. We are sorry to hear about your experience. 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.
Helen S.
I waited on hold for 2 1/2 hours the other day and then before she got all my questions answered the phone hung up and I called back waited a hour and my phone was going dead but I still have questions about my back pay and she said she put in for a emergency funds because I have a light bill 350 for 2 months in a apt and rent due because I kept getting money taken off my card that was 350 in Nov 2022 and I still haven’t been remesed for that so I changed cards for my direct deposits
Ann C.
Hi, Helen. We are sorry to hear about your experience and situation. We encourage you to continue 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.
Ethel C.
I receive at least 15 to 20 calls a day, advising me I am eligible for additional benefits through the federal government. I am eligible because of my age over 70 and they believe I have parts a & b. These calls have been coming in over a couple of months. It’s not open enrollment. The callers claim I can get a food card, refunded $148 month , vision , hearing etc. and final expenses.Are these spam calls or was something passed I don’t know about ? Sick and tired of these endless calls. They can’t be completely blocked because I receive calls from different states, wireless callers, out of area callers, and calls with people’s name in my area code and prefix,but I don’t know them. It seems the elderly are being preyed upon, but why ? Anyone know how to stop the calls
Darlene S.
Believe me I am 67 and I have gotten over 30 calls a day, I have got to the point that I have checked then pickup or disconnect.
Erica
I too have been barraged with calls & texts! And I’m only 46! But like Ethel, I also have calls from numbers I don’t know & don’t really want to block everyone from being able to reach me… I’m disabled, but only get SSI😔 because unfortunately my parents instilled in me that I don’t give up .. but that’s what got me denied for disability benefits!!! Because I didn’t have the full amount of “points per year “to qualify… So incredibly frustrating! I tried to work for years with my disabilities but I didn’t feel right about calling out sick all the time.. I felt bad for my colleagues who had to cover for me & in some cases I felt bad for my boss who I knew didn’t want to fire me … so I stupidly quit! So, unemployment benefits went right out the window!
But, back to what Darlene & Ethel were talking about… with regards to these incessant calls & texts!!! I am forced to keep my phone on silent and miss important calls or texts from my family or doctors because of my disability… I have to have my surroundings.. kept quiet & calm… but that doesn’t happen to me anymore because of these constant & frankly intrusive calls & texts!! I’ve already been scammed 3 times by things I thought I would really benefit from but then after I had drained what little money I get per month… I I’m now stuck in this rut of letting these calls go to voicemail & checking them when I’m feeling up to it & the same thing for these constant texts! I refuse to get scammed again so anything that sounds like it would or could help me… just gets sent to the “report, delete & block” section in my phone….it’s unfair & unfortunate because if there’s any other help that’s out there for me, I’m just missing out on it because of my bad experiences with the other times that I’ve believed in these people 😔. I really could use some more help but, I’m just too scared of losing what little money I get from the government now… I too am curious as to what is truly available & what’s real in regards to extra help for people like me 🥺… I live in the state of New York so I’m hoping that maybe I’ll get to read an article about REAL HELP IN MY STATE FOR PEOPLE WHO REALLY ARE IN NEED OF HELP!!!
Ethel & Darlene, I feel your frustration with this situation and the way it affects us… it’s truly an incredible invasion of our privacy, time & sense of security… since we don’t know who to trust anymore!🥺. I would really appreciate it, if someone could help us, to tell us what to trust & what help is really out there for those of us who are struggling and need help!!!
Thank you… I do read these articles frequently but I’m afraid to give my information to someone who doesn’t mean to help me, but is just trying to take… I’ve had enough taken from me already 😥. So, I’m asking for advice on REAL HELP 🙏🥺🙏
Thank You, Erica…. in New York
Frankie c.
I was caught on fire, almost died now I suffer from ptds and depression. Unable to work, but yet still denied!! Something is very wrong with the governments choices people who determine who qualifies and who doesn’t! Just let me ask, what am I supposed to do?????
Frances L.
IM 54 LOST MY SON 36 IN 2020 TO SUICIDE ,MY MAIN INCOME SORSE, NOW I HAVE LOST MY HUSBAND TO HEART DIEASE ,I HAVE HAD RODS PUT IN MY BACK BUT NOT BEEN ABLE TO EVEN THINK OF MY SELF FOR GREVING MY LOVED ONES I CANT DRAW ON EUTHER ONE OF THERE SSI CAUSE IM NOT 62 AND I HAVE KNOW SMALL CHILDIERN,,NOW IM A WIDOW,MY HUSBAND DID NOT WANT ME TO WORK BUT EVERTHING HAPPEN SO FAST NOW HERE I AM WITH NOTHING I NEED HELP THERES KNOW HELP UNLESS U ARE 62 ARE CHILDREN ,ARE DISABLED WICH I KNOW I AM BUT I JUST CANT GET BACK TO DOC PLEASE HELP
Ann C.
Hi, Frances. We are sorry to hear about your loss and situation. You are eligible to apply for survivor benefits if you are age 50 or over and disabled. However, there are other factors that may affect your entitlement to these benefits. For more information on survivors benefits, visit our If You Are The Survivor webpage. You may also 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.
Erica
Most social services departments have advocates who can provide help with guidance & getting you through the process & getting you the help that you need! If I were you I’d call the local Department of social services in your area and ask for the contact info for the advocacy groups… they will definitely do anything they can to help you with this situation… I’m terribly sorry for your losses as I’ve had a few myself recently… but you are entitled to help! And, from what you’ve said, you can’t & shouldn’t have to do it alone! Give yourself permission to ask for help 🙏🫶👍…🥹you deserve it 🥹🙏🥹 Best of luck 🤞🫶 Erica in New York
L R.
Supplemental Security Income must be limited to U.S. Citns with proof as well as Social Security Retirement and Disability benefits, Medicare and Medicaid, who have paid into the program. Otherwise, its cheating taxpayers!
Beverly M.
I get SS Disibility of $1230 a month, can I still apply for SSI also because I am age 70 and disabled for life?
Ann C.
Hi, Beverly. Thanks for your question. The Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program pays benefits to disabled adults who have limited income and resources. For more information on the SSI program and how to apply, please visit our Supplemental Security Income webpage. Hope this helps!
Renee E.
I didn’t get my money this month I don’t know why
Ann C.
Hi, Renee. We are sorry to hear that. If you do not receive your electronic payment on the scheduled pay date, please contact your bank or financial institution first. If you still need to report a late, missing, or stolen Social Security payment, please visit our Frequently Asked Questions. We hope this helps.
Rene
I was told to report my sons share of household expenses after I received his first check so it could be counted and possibly raise his ssi amount. I am his representative payee. I can’t get anyone to return my call after 3 weeks of trying. I called the main number and gave the info to someone that acted like she didn’t know what I was talking about and still no word from anyone.
Ann C.
Hi, Rene. We are sorry to hear about your experience. We encourage you to continue to work with your local Social Security office. You can ask to speak to a manager on your next call or visit. You can also 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 is resolved soon.