General, Online Services, Retirement

Social Security’s Commitment to Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders

May 9, 2016 • By

Reading Time: 2 Minutes

Last Updated: May 11, 2023

Chinese Grandfather Giving Granddaughter Ride On Shoulders In ParkDuring the month of May, we observe Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific
Islander Heritage Month (AANHPIHM) Heritage Month in the United States. We celebrate the accomplishments of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders and the countless ways they enrich our nation. Like America, AA and NHPI communities draw strength from the diversity of its distinct cultures—each with its own vibrant history and range of perspectives.

I am Andy Liu and I serve as the Social Security Administration’s General Counsel. As a Chinese American and member of the AA and NHPI community, I understand the many challenges and needs of our community. I joined Social Security for its mission – delivering Social Security services that meet the changing needs of the American public. This mission is not complete unless we reach everyone entitled to receive our services.

Social Security treats all people equally, and doing so requires that we recognize the importance of understanding the unique challenges, specific needs, and concerns that some AA and NHPI community members face in communicating with us and accessing the services we offer. From providing free interpreter services to offering our publications in Chinese, Hmong, Korean, Tagalog, and Vietnamese, we strive to make our services and programs equally accessible to Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders. We proudly employ about 1,700 bilingual AA and NHPI employees in our field offices and call centers. We also conduct ongoing research and work with national, state, and local organizations to ensure AA and NHPIs have full access to our programs and services.

As Christopher Kang explained in his blog post celebrating the Lunar New Year, the reality is that far too many Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders are not aware of these resources. You can help us further Social Security’s mission by spreading the word among your colleagues, members, and networks about our online resources.

Social Security is committed to the White House AA and NHPI Initiative. You can visit our Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders page for more information.

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About the Author

Andy Liu, Social Security Administration's General Counsel

Andy Liu, Social Security Administration's General Counsel

Comments

  1. Bali H.

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  2. Template E.

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  3. Stanley J.

    I need help setting up on line change, or phone call to change; bank for auto deposit….
    Stan

  4. Faye B.

    how do I change banks for direct deposit

    • Vonda V.

      Hi Faye. Thanks for the question. If you’re receiving Social Security benefits (retirement, survivors, or disability), you can start or update your direct deposit information by using your personal my Social Security account. If receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or unable to conduct business online, you can start or update your direct deposit by contacting the bank, credit union, or savings and loan association or by calling Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).

      See our Frequently Asked Questions web page for more information.

  5. Emma L.

    I just came to America but I’ve received my SS card/number already. When can I apply for Medicaid and SSI BENEFIT?

  6. Ashley

    I have to agree with most of the comments. My own Grandmother became a naturalized U.S Citizen about 2-3 years ago thanks to my uncle. However she never worked a day in the U.S nor in the country where she was born, she receives a check every month and I know for a fact its from social security. She also gets free insurance through medical. This is my grandma yet I don’t think its right. Why should someone that’s never worked a day in the U.S nor has paid taxes have the privilege to collect social security or any kind of free healthcare. I’m sorry but just because you are elderly should you have the right to do that! That’s not ok!!!! I’m sorry but I just don’t think it’s fair nor right. These laws need to change! By the time I retire I there wont be any left for me. Ridiculous!!!!!!

  7. Agen S.

    Thanks for the articles

  8. Lex M.

    Very hard to believe!!!!! I called the ss office in Manila and got a hard working, intelligent girl on line that answered questions and checked the mail office for letter; she was fast, efficient and had excellent communication skills. I can hardly believe it!.

  9. Lex R.

    If you receive social security benifits do not retire in Indonesia because there are many problems trying to get your retirement. Banks in. Indonesia are not as advanced as in the Philippines. It is difficult to get a bank account, checks will not be cashed and direct deposits are difficult to set up. I feel sorry for the people from Indonesia who work in the US because if they return to Indonesia it is difficult or impossible to receive social security payments.

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