The Social Security Administration’s Public Affairs department remains dedicated to simplifying public access to its programs and benefits. Their website, SSA.gov provides a user-friendly method to submit an application for benefits via the internet.
Interested in applying? Check out the current choices listed below:
Retirement or spouse's benefits
You must be at least 61 years and 9 months, and want your benefits to start in no more than 4 months. Apply at www.ssa.gov/retirement .
Disability benefits
You can utilize the online application at www.ssa.gov/disability to apply for disability benefits if you:
- Are at least 18 years old.
- Cannot perform work duties due to a health issue anticipated to persist for at least one year or lead to death.
- Have not been denied disability benefits in the last 60 days. If your application was recently denied, you can appeal the decision online and request a review of the determination made. Please visit www.ssa.gov/apply/appeal-decision-we-made .
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
SSI offers monthly financial support to individuals of all ages, including both adults and children, who suffer from a qualifying disability or blindness, provided they demonstrate limited income and minimal assets. Individuals aged 65 years and above, regardless of whether they have disabilities, can qualify for SSI benefits as long as their income and resources fall below specific thresholds. Certain disabled adults meeting particular criteria might apply online for these services. For additional information, please refer to the official website. www.ssa.gov/ssi If accessing the website isn’t possible, you can dial 1-800-772-1213 to set up an appointment. (For those who are deaf or have trouble hearing, please use the TTY/TDD line at 1-800-325-0778 instead.)
Medicare
Medicare is a government health insurance program designed for:
- Individuals who are 65 years old or more.
- Newer employees who have been receiving disability payments for two years.
- Individuals suffering from end-stage renal disease (ESRD) or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). It's important to note that they are exempt from the two-year waiting period.
- If you haven’t started receiving Social Security benefits yet, you ought to apply for Medicare three months prior to your 65th birthday. www.ssa.gov/medicare Consider reviewing your Medicare choices even if you're still employed and have coverage from an employer group health plan (or your spouse’s employer health plan via their ongoing employment).
Additional assistance with Medicare prescription drug expenses
The Extra Help program assists Medicare recipients with expenses related to prescription drugs, such as deductibles and copayments. Individuals enrolled in Medicare who require financial support for medication costs may apply for Extra Help. www.ssa.gov/medicare/part-d-extra-help .
Kindly pass along this information to anyone who needs it.
Kylle' D. McKinney serves as a Social Security Public Affairs Specialist in Alabama.
The article initially appeared in the Montgomery Advertiser. The five advantages you can secure through the Social Security website are available for your use.