Disability

They Comfort and Assist. Let’s Celebrate Them

August 17, 2015 • By

Reading Time: 2 Minutes

Last Updated: August 17, 2015

A happy working dogThe word “friend” conjures images of laughter and warmth. Friends stand by each other through good and bad times. They’re supportive, encouraging, and they come in all shapes and sizes — and sometimes with a wet nose and fur. Social Security celebrates four-legged helpers who aren’t only friends, but family and heroes: assistance dogs.

Assistance dogs help disabled people meet their daily needs. These faithful canines receive specific training to assist, comfort, and alert their special needs companion of danger. They allow their human wards to live independently and with confidence. Their training allows assistance dogs to help people with physical and mental disabilities, hearing loss, and seizures. Some also help our veterans and people with post-traumatic stress disorder to regain their independence, physically and emotionally.

From fetching medicine, to signalling an emergency, to answering the doorbell, these dogs are vital supporters. Their service is priceless, giving peace of mind to the families and friends of people with disabilities.

Social Security praises and cheers assistance dogs. Their labor of love is something we’re familiar with. Long ago, our agency made a commitment to empower people with disabilities by providing them with information about our programs, and what benefits are available to them. Ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to access our programs, activities, and facilities, regardless of disability, is one of the promises we made to America in support of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Our reasonable accommodation options guarantee effective communication. We provide certified and qualified sign language interpreters, lip-reading or speech-reading services, telephone devices for the deaf or hard of hearing (TDD or TTY), and free handwritten notes upon request. If you or someone you know needs to request a reasonable accommodation, please visit our website, or call our toll free number (1-800-772-1213 or TTY 1-800-325-0778).

Like a faithful companion, Social Security is here to offer support and access to the information people need.

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About the Author

Phil Gambino, Assistant Deputy Commissioner, Communications

Assistant Deputy Commissioner for Communications

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Comments

  1. Arnold R.

    To whom this may concern,
    My wife of 55 years, passed away on July 4. Naturally, her Social Security checks have stopped, which I expected. However, “MY” Social Security checks have also stopped…
    What’s going on???!!! Is this what happens to 82 year old widowers??? They lose their wife and become homeless???
    My daughter has P.O.A. for my financial matters (she has lawyer papers to prove it…)and is coming down to the office. Please help. I “NEED” this fixed “IMMEDIATELY”.
    Sincerely ,
    Arnold

    • V.V.

      Hi Arnold. We are very sorry for your loss. Please contact your local Social Security office. Look for the general inquiry telephone number at the Social Security Office Locator. The number may appear under Show Additional Office Information. We hope this information helps.

  2. Gail O.

    Someone told me that with Social Security Disability, I can get my dog spayed at either no or reduced charges. Is this true? She’s not a guide dog.

    • Cynthia F.

      I need to know about rights my comfort dog has. He is approved my rental manager. But he can only be walked behind my apartment building. Since I can no longer take him with me on long walks around the complex, my physical health and mental health has declined. Please let me know what can be done.
      Thanks

  3. Shamim@Best s.

    Pets assume vital jobs in our lives, and regardless of the amount we love our furry friends, they will, in general, shed their fur. Analysts have discovered that in a few occurrences, creature hide is the base reason for respiratory issues by individuals living with pets. To stay away from such predicaments it is important to furnish yourself with proper tools to rid off pet hair and keep up cleanliness in the family unit and keep your family protected from pet fur related important.

  4. Sharif

    I read the article. It is very interesting that a dog how to help a disable people.
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  5. Judith P.

    I am looking for help in getting my dog certified as a service animal.

  6. Norma V.

    How can I arrange, for my companion dog to receive my survivors benefits when I die???

Comments are closed.