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The Value of my Social Security
for SOAR Consumers & Partners
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We know that Social Security Retirement, Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income are integral sources of income and afford access to health coverage for many people experiencing or at risk of homelessness. It is important for those working in the field to recognize the value of my Social Security for both the consumers we serve as well as ourselves, as workers.
Everett M. Lo from the Social Security Administration's New York Regional Public Affairs Office shared a personal story that many of us can relate to: "My mother was the Executive Director of a small social services agency in New York City's Chinatown from the 1970s through the early 2000s; since she operated on a shoestring budget, she didn't retire with a pension, so Social Security is her primary source of income in retirement." Many of our colleagues are in a similar situation, and my Social Security can help!
my Social Security is a free, online service through which workers age 18 and older with a valid email and U.S. mailing address may manage their Social Security benefit. It is accessible from any computer, tablet or smart phone with internet access and allows registrants to:
- view their annual Social Security Statement, which shows their earnings and provides an estimate of potential monthly Social Security benefits if they are not yet receiving benefits;
- view, download and print benefit verification or proof of income letter if they are receiving Social Security and/or Supplemental Security Income;
- update their benefit address and direct deposit information;
- obtain a replacement 1099; and,
- initiate the request for a replacement Medicare card.
The value of my Social Security to people experiencing homelessness who may be transient is that their account follows them wherever they go. Some may have smart phones, many will have access to libraries with public computers, and others can get support from organizations such as yours. Learn more with Social Security Administration's fact sheet, How to Create an Online Account, and use the information to create your own my Social Security account. Once you have created your my Social Security account, you can use your knowledge and experience to help consumers you are working with to set up their own accounts.
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