Question:

My disability application got denied, what can I do?

T. Vargas Miramar, Florida

Answer:

Appeal A Decision

You have the right to appeal any decision we make about whether you’re entitled to benefits. You must request an appeal in writing within 60 days after you receive the notice of our decision. There are four levels of appeal:

· Reconsideration.

· Hearing by an administrative law judge.

· Review by the Appeals Council.

· Federal Court Review.

Question:

What is Advance Designation?

S. Williams, OpaLocka, Florida

Answer:

You should be aware of another type of representation called Advance Designation.

Advance Designation allows capable adult and emancipated minors who are applying for or receiving Social Security benefits, Supplemental Security Income, or Special Veterans Benefits the option to choose up to three people in advance who could serve as their representative payee, if the need arises.

In the event that you can no longer manage your benefits, you and your family will have peace of mind knowing that someone you trust may be appointed to manage your benefits for you. If you need a representative payee to assist with the management of your benefits, we will first consider your advance designees. We must still fully evaluate them and determine their suitability at that time.

You can submit and update your advance designation request when you apply for benefits or after you are already receiving benefits. You may do so through your personal my Social Security account, contacting us by telephone at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), or at your local office.

Question:

What is meant by Survivors Benefits?

L. Morris, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida

Answer:

Your family members may receive survivors benefits if you die. If you are working and paying into Social Security, some of those taxes you pay are for survivors benefits. Your spouse, children, and parents could be eligible for benefits based on your earnings.

You may receive survivors benefits when a family member dies. You and your family could be eligible for benefits based on the earnings of a worker who died. The deceased person must have worked long enough to qualify for benefits.

For more information, please read How Social Security Can Help You When a Family Member Dies.

You should notify us immediately when a person dies. However, you cannot report a death or apply for survivors benefits online.

In most cases, the funeral home will report the person’s death to us. You should give the funeral home the deceased person’s Social Security number if you want them to make the report.

Question:

Is it true that Children are eligible for SSI benefits?

C. Tellar, Tamarac, Florida

Answer:

Children Who:

· Are under age 18 and have physical or mental condition(s) that very seriously limits their daily activities for a period of 12 months or more or may be expected to result in death, and

· Live in a household with limited income (benefits based on need) or resources.

· For more details, visit our webpage about SSI for children.

Source: Social Security Administration