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YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY | Rock Island, Illinois Office

By Cristina Vital
Social Security Manager
Rock Island Social Security Office

SOCIAL SECURITY EXPANDS OUTREACH AND ACCESS FOR SSI

Social Security 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.

We identified underserved communities in rural and urban areas across the country.  We focused on areas with the greatest decline in SSI applications since the pandemic.  Our outreach efforts targeted areas where a majority of people are living at or below the federal poverty threshold.

People who receive SSI may qualify for other financial help, including Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or SNAP benefits (formerly known as food stamps), Medicaid, and discounted internet service through the Federal Trade Commission’s Affordable Connectivity Program.  Social Security beneficiaries may also be eligible for SSI.

People with limited income and financial resources and internet access can 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 our National 800 Number at 1-800-772-1213 to speak with a representative.

Please share this information with your friends and family to spread the word about SSI.

QUESTION AND ANSWER

Question:

Can I refuse to give my Social Security number to a private business?

Answer:

Yes, you can refuse to disclose your Social Security number, and you should be careful about giving out your number. But, be aware, the person requesting your number can refuse services if you don’t give it. Businesses, banks, schools, private agencies, etc., are free to request someone’s number and use it for any purpose that doesn’t violate a federal or state law. To learn more about your Social Security number, visit www.ssa.gov/ssnumber.

Question:

I recently applied for a replacement Social Security card, but I might be moving before it arrives in the mail. What should I do if I move before I get it?

Answer:

Once we have verified all your documents and processed your application, it takes approximately 10 to 14 days to receive your replacement Social Security card. If you move after applying for your new card, notify the post office of your change of address and the post office will forward your card to your new address. If you do not receive your card, please contact your local Social Security office. To get a replacement, you will have to resubmit your evidence of identity and U.S. citizenship, or your lawful immigration status and authority to work. You can learn more at www.ssa.gov/myaccount.

Question:

My child, who gets Social Security on my record, will be attending his last year of high school in the fall. He turns 19 in a few months. Do I need to fill out a form for his benefits to continue?

Answer:

Yes. You should receive a form, SSA-1372-BK, in the mail about three months before your son’s birthday. Your son needs to complete the form and take it to his school’s office for certification. Then, you need to return page two and the certified page three back to Social Security for processing. If you can’t find the form we mailed to you, you can find it online at: www.ssa.gov/forms/ssa-1372.pdf.

Question:

I am expecting a child and will be out of work for six months. Can I qualify for short-term disability?

Answer:

No. Social Security pays only for total disability — conditions that render you unable to work and are expected to last for at least a year or end in death. No benefits are payable for partial disability or short-term disability, including benefits while on maternity leave.

Question:

What is the waiting period for Social Security disability benefits?

Answer:

The law states Social Security disability benefits can be paid only after you have been disabled continuously throughout a period of five full calendar months. Social Security disability benefits begin with the sixth full month after the date your disability began. You are not able to receive benefits for any month during the waiting period. Learn more at www.ssa.gov/disability.