People who struggle with low-income, limited English proficiency, homelessness, mental illness, and other challenges have historically relied on getting help in person from Social Security.
During much of the pandemic, Social Security offices have been open only for in-person appointments for limited, critical situations, depending upon local office conditions. These measures help protect the health and safety of its employees and the public they serve.
Social Security has continued to offer many services on its website that are secure and easy to use. Their representatives have continued to help people by telephone on their National 800 Number and when calling a local office. Many underserved people face barriers to service when unable to access or use the internet or telephones to get the help they need. Social Security understands this and is asking for help.
If you know someone who cannot use Social Security’s online services at www.ssa.gov, encourage them to call their local office or the National 800 Number for assistance. If Social Security cannot help them by phone, the local office can determine if an in-person appointment or other option may be available to help.
To serve those who need more help, Social Security is partnering with community and faith-based groups on a national outreach campaign. The goal of the campaign is to increase public awareness of the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefit programs and to support third-party groups that can help others apply for benefits. The SSI and SSDI programs provide critical financial assistance and, in many cases, grant access to healthcare and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, also known as SNAP.
Resources are available for people helping others access Social Security services at www.ssa.gov/thirdparty. Outreach materials for partner groups working with people who face barriers to service can be found at www.ssa.gov/thirdparty/groups/vulnerable-populations.html. And updated information for faith-based and community groups, including a new toolkit and fact sheets about SSI and SSDI, are available at www.ssa.gov/thirdparty/groups/faithandcommunity.html.
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