People Facing Barriers
Celebrating Older Americans Month
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Every May, the U.S. Administration for Community Living (ACL) leads the national observance of Older Americans Month. This year’s theme is “Age My Way” – with a focus on how older adults can plan to live independently for as long as possible. At USAging, this is our theme all year long! Our members lead local […]
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Save Time Applying for SNAP and SSI
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The COVID-19 pandemic continues to impose hardships, especially on people who face barriers to our services and benefits. We want you to know about other benefits you may be entitled to receive. This includes the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program – or SNAP. SNAP is a federal program – run by state agencies – that helps […]
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What Representatives Should Know About Online Video Hearings
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In December 2020, we began offering online video hearings using a secure and free Microsoft Teams platform for you and your client to interact directly with an administrative law judge (ALJ). You can participate in the hearing with an internet connection using a camera-enabled smartphone, tablet, or computer. This allows the ALJ to see and […]
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WEAAD 2021: Building Strong Support for Older Americans
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On June 15, we come together again to commemorate World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD). We continue to advocate for the rights and dignity of older adults—especially during the pandemic. We remain committed to addressing challenges—and working together with our state and federal partners to break down barriers of injustice or inequality for older adults. […]
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World Elder Abuse Awareness Day: What We Have Learned
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World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) on June 15 raises awareness of the cultural, social, economic, and demographic processes affecting elder abuse and neglect. This is more important than ever as cases of elder abuse have increased significantly during the pandemic. Abuser tactics—isolation, manipulation, and systemic barriers (such as ageism and racism)—put older adults at […]
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SSI Helps Our Most Vulnerable
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The COVID-19 pandemic has forced Social Security to limit in-person appointments to critical situations only. This led to a sharp decrease in the number of people applying for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments. SSI provides monthly payments to people with low income and few resources who can no longer work due to age or disability. […]
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Homelessness and Social Security
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Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) are lifelines for people experiencing homelessness. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s 2020 Annual Homelessness Assessment Report notes roughly 580,000 people are currently without a home and the National Alliance to End Homelessness found about 25-30 percent have severe physical and mental disabilities. […]
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Supplemental Security Income for Children with Disabilities
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During our careers, we’ve helped many people receive Social Security. We know the positive effects of receiving these crucial benefit payments. We’ve seen how Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments can help keep children and teenagers with disabilities out of poverty. Many eligible children under age 18 continue to benefit from SSI’s monthly payment, which can […]
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SSI is Critical for Children with Developmental and Behavioral Disabilities
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Social Security has a disability program called Supplemental Security Income (SSI) that can provide monthly income support for lower-income families who care for children with developmental and behavioral disabilities, as well as physical impairments. Children with developmental disabilities like autism and intellectual disability, as well as other behavioral health impairments like bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, […]
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Outreach to Vulnerable Populations During the COVID-19 Pandemic
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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 […]
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