The Social Security Act and its related laws establish a number of programs that have the following basic purposes:

• to provide for the material needs of individuals and families;
• to protect aged and disabled persons against the expenses of illnesses that may otherwise use up their savings;
• to keep families together; and
• to give children the chance to grow up healthy and secure.

The federal government operates the Retirement, Survivors, Disability (SSD), Hospital and Medical Insurance, Black Lung Benefit and the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) programs.

If you have applied for benefits from the Social Security Administration and have been denied, or have additional questions, you can call my Detroit office at (313) 226-6020 or (800) 851-0030 (in state) and speak with my constituent representative for Social Security issues or write to my office at:

Office of Senator Carl Levin
Patrick V. McNamara Federal Building
477 Michigan Avenue, Suite 1860
Detroit, MI 48226-2594

Some frequently asked questions about Social Security:

What is the initial step to begin applying for Social Security (SS) benefits?
How do I obtain a Social Security card?
What will the Social Security Administration (SSA) accept as proof for my children?
How do I obtain a new Social Security card if one is lost or stolen?
I am preparing for retirement and will be reaching full retirement age, what are the initial steps to take?
What is the new disbursement schedule of benefit payments?
Can Senator Levin expedite my claim for Social Security benefits?
Can Senator Levin's office represent me in my hearing for Social Security benefits?

What is the initial step to begin applying for Social Security (SS) benefits?

You may apply for Social Security benefits online or by visiting a local Social Security office nearest you. There are local offices throughout the State of Michigan that offer assistance with relation to Social Security Retirement, SSD, SSI and survivor or dependent's benefits. These offices are open Monday thru Friday. Please call and check for office hours of the location you plan to visit. You may also call the toll-free number, (800) 772-1213, for further assistance or visit the Social Security Administration website.

How do I obtain a Social Security Card?

To apply for an ORIGINAL Social Security card (if you have never been assigned a Social Security number before), the Social Security Administration (SSA) needs at least two documents as proof of:

• Age
• Identity and
• U.S. citizenship or lawful alien status.
• To apply for a DUPLICATE CARD (same number and same name), SSA needs proof of identity (example: alien status, if applicable).

To apply for a CORRECTED CARD (same number, different/new last name), SSA needs proof of identity. One or more documents is also required which identify you by the old name on their records and your new name, e.g. a marriage certificate, divorce decree, a court order that changes your name. Or, the SAA will accept two identity documents -- one in your old name and one in your new name.

IDENTITY DOCUMENTS THAT SSA CAN ACCEPT: Driver's license, employer ID card, passport, marriage/divorce record, adoption record, health insurance card (not a Medicare or Medicaid card), military record, life insurance policy, and school ID card.

What will the Social Security Administration (SSA) accept as proof for my children?

Evidence of identification for INFANTS and YOUNG CHILDREN that Social Security Administration can accept include the following: doctor or clinic records, hospital record, daycare center records, school record, or religious record (e.g. baptismal record).

The Social Security Administration must see any of these documents in the name you want shown on the card. The identity document must be of recent issuance. A document with a photograph is preferred. However, they can generally accept a non-photo identification document only if it has enough information to identify you (e.g., person's name, as well as age, date of birth or parents' names).

How do I obtain a new Social Security card if one is lost or stolen?

You can apply for a replacement card by filling out Form SS-5. The new card will have the same number as the one lost. If you have any questions, you may contact the SSA either through the SSA website or by calling (800) 772-1213.

I am preparing for retirement and will be reaching full retirement age, what are the initial steps to take?

If you have reached age 62 or over and are planning to retire, you may call the toll-free number to make an appointment to begin the application process. As of January 2002, you can apply online for retirement benefits. If you do not have access to a computer, you may call the toll-free number at (800) 772-1213.

What is the new disbursement schedule of benefit payments?

On May 1, 1997, the Social Security Administration instituted a new system through which checks are distributed based on a recipient's date of birth. Everyone who has enrolled since May 1, 1997, receives his or her check on the following payment schedule.

For those born from:

• The 1st - 10th - Payment day is the second Wednesday of every month
• The 11th - 20th - Payment day is the third Wednesday of every month
• The 21st - 30th/31st - Payment day is the fourth Wednesday of every month.

As of January 2002, Social Security beneficiaries who owe the federal government money may see a reduction in their benefits. The Department of the Treasury is working with the Social Security Administration to deduct money owed directly from the person's benefit. These collections are non-tax debts owed to the federal government. The Social Security Administration notifies the beneficiary 60 days before any reduction process begins. Please contact the Social Security Administration's toll-free number at (800) 772-1213 or visit your local Social Security office upon receiving notification.

Can Senator Levin expedite my claim for Social Security benefits?

I am aware that the Social Security Administration (SSA) is currently experiencing an extreme backlog of claims which has had a significant impact on its processing times.  The SSA has provisions in place to expedite claims for individuals facing severe financial and medical hardships such as impending foreclosure, eviction, terminal illness, or an inability to access life-saving medications.  My constituent service representative for Social Security issues would be able to contact the SSA to determine if your claim is eligible for expedited processing.

Can Senator Levin's office represent me in my hearing for Social Security benefits?

Although my office cannot represent you at your hearing, you may wish to contact the National Organization of Social Security Claimants' Representatives, which is an association of attorneys and paralegals who represent Social Security and Supplemental Security Income claimants.  It can be reached at (800) 431-2804 or at the NOSSCR website.

If you still have questions, please contact my Detroit office at (313) 226-6020 or (800) 851-0030 (in state) for further assistance.