Questions and Answers about Social Security
Question:
What is the Ticket to Work (Ticket) Program?
M. Olson, Weston, Florida
Answer:
The Ticket Program offers Social Security beneficiaries with disabilities the choices, opportunities and supports needed to find and keep employment, increase their earnings, and reduce their dependence on benefit payments. It is free and voluntary for eligible individuals (Ticketholders) ages 18 through 64 who receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and/or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits due to a disability. The program’s goal is to ensure that Ticketholders have access to vocational rehabilitation, employment, and other support services from public and private providers and other organizations. Ticketholders may obtain services from employment service providers including State Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) agencies and approved Employment Networks (EN). The primary goal of the program is for Ticketholders to become economically self-sufficient and reduce their reliance on public benefits.
Question:
If I have additional question on my Medicare coverage, who do I call?
A. Beitra, South Miami, Florida
Answer:
1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) or TTY/TDD: 1-877-486-2048 for the hearing and speech impaired)
Question:
Could you explain what is SSDI?
X. Gonzalez, Hialeah, Florida
Answer:
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) provides benefits to disabled or blind individuals who are “insured” by workers’ contributions to the Social Security trust fund. These contributions are the Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA) social security tax paid on their earnings or those of their spouses or parents.
Question:
What is the SSDI application process?
N. Ulloa, Little Havana, Florida
Answer:
Whether you apply online, by phone, or in person, the disability benefits application process follows these general steps:
You gather the information and documents you need to apply. We recommend you print and review the Adult Disability Checklist. It will help you gather the information and documents you need to complete the application.
You complete and submit your application.
We review your application to make sure you meet our basic requirements for disability benefits.
We confirm you worked enough years to qualify.
We evaluate any current work activities.
We process your application and forward your case to the Disability Determination Services office in your state.
This state agency makes the disability determination decision.
Once You’ve Applied
Processing time for disability applications vary depending on the nature of the disability, necessary medical evidence or examinations, and applicable quality reviews.
Once we receive your application, we’ll review it and contact you if we have questions. We might request additional documents from you before we can proceed.
Look For Our Response
When the state agency makes a determination on your case, you’ll receive a letter in the mail with our decision. It generally takes three to six months for an initial decision. If you included information about other family members when you applied, we’ll let you know if they may be able to receive benefits on your record.
Question:
What documents will I need to provide?
Cont. N. Ulloa, Little Havana, Florida
Answer:
Along with the information listed above, we may ask you to provide documents to show that you are eligible, such as:
Birth certificate or other proof of birth.
Proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful alien status if you were not born in the United States.
U.S. military discharge paper(s) if you had military service before 1968.
W-2 forms(s) or self-employment tax returns for last year.
Medical evidence already in your possession. This includes medical records, doctors’ reports, and recent test results.
Award letters, pay stubs, settlement agreements, or other proof of any temporary or permanent workers’ compensation-type benefits you received.
Question:
Could you explain what is SSI?
Answer:
The Supplemental Security Income Program (SSI) makes cash assistance payments to aged, blind and disabled people (including children under age 18) who have limited income and resources. The Federal government funds SSI from general tax revenues.
Source: Social Security Administration