Social Security Office Running on Limited Staff, Could Impact Accessibility During Government Shutdown

During the government shutdown, several offices and facilities – such as national parks and congressional offices – are closed. However, some workers remain at their jobs working on furlough, or offices are running on skeleton staffs to keep a handful of services available.

The Social Security Administration has been very clear that checks will continue to go out to those on Social Security Insurance or Disability. However, some of their services may be limited during the government shutdown.

According to the Social Security Administration’s website, the following services can only be provided at field offices, which will have a few staff members on hand:

• Help with Social Security benefits applications
• Assistance with Social Security appeals
• Changes to address or direct deposit information
• Accepting reports of death
• Verify or change citizenship status
• Replace a lost or missing Social Security payment
• Issue a critical payment
• Change a representative payee
• Process a change in living arrangement or income (SSI recipients only)

The Social Security Administration also notes that the following services cannot be provided:

• Issue new or replacement Social Security cards
• Replace a Medicare card
• Issue a proof of income letter

The website also has the following statement from the Social Security Administration: “Hearings offices remain open to conduct hearings before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). Social Security card centers are closed. Social Security and Supplemental Security Income payments to beneficiaries will continue with no change in payment dates.”

While the Treasury Department has warned that hitting the debt ceiling limit could be very dangerous for the US economy, several offices are currently prepared for the shutdown and so far no real threats to Social Security payments have been made, whether it is retirement, disability, Medicare, or Medicaid.

Social Security Disability Applications Can Be Complicated

Depending upon the facts of your case, you, your kids, and/or your spouse may be eligible for a range of disability benefits under the Social Security Act.

If you suffer from a disability and are unable to work, you may be eligible for Social Security disability benefits that include:

• Social Security Disability benefits
• Supplemental Security Income or SSI
• Widow/Widower’s benefits
• Retirement Benefits
• Medicare/Medicaid benefits
• Children and Dependent’s benefits

The type of benefits to which you may be entitled depends upon your income and how long you have worked.

Under the Supplemental Security Income program, the government provides payments to an adult or child who is disabled and has limited income and resources.  SSI provides money so that you can meet your basic needs such as shelter, food, and clothing.  SSI benefits are only paid to the individual, and cannot be transferred or provided to a family member or survivor.

For each of the major body systems, Social Security maintains a list of medical conditions that are so severe, being diagnosed with one automatically qualifies you for disability. If your condition is not on the list, Social Security will have to decide if it is of equal severity to a medical condition that is on the list. If it is, you will be found disabled, and can qualify for Social Security Disability.

The Strom Law Firm Can Help with Social Security Disability Claims

Applying for Social Security Disability Insurance can be complex, even when Social Security Administration offices are fully staffed.  However, we understand that you need your benefits and we will put our years of experience to work for you to ensure that you have the representation necessary to actively pursue your claim. Call the attorneys at the Strom Law Firm today to discuss your Social Security Disability or Supplemental Security Income case today. We will be glad to discuss any questions you may have during our free, confidential consultation. Call the experienced attorneys at the Strom Law Firm at (803)252-4800.