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Social Security
What Your Client Needs to Apply for Benefits
Your client will need to provide
the following documentation when he/she applies
for Social Security:
- Social Security number
(Social Security numbers and replacement cards can be requested through the
Social Security Administration (SSA) Web site at www.socialsecurity.gov/ssnumber)
Original documents or copies certified by the issuing office
must be provided. Do not delay application if you do not have these documents.
SSA will help you attain them.
Obtaining a
Social Security Number or Replacement Card
To get a Social Security number or a replacement
card, your client will need to:
- Complete an Application for a Social Security
Card (Form SS-5)
- Show documents that prove his/her age, identity,
U.S. citizenship or lawful alien status
Your client can apply for a Social Security card by:
- Visiting a local Social Security office
- Calling the Social Security Administration
toll-free at 1-800-772-1213*
- Visiting www.socialsecurity.gov/online/ss-5.html on
the Internet to print the application form
*Your client must mail or take the needed documents to a Social Security
office.
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Application
Process
Your clients should apply for Social Security benefits
as soon as possible. However, it may take up to three months before Social
Security benefits actually begin.
Generally, Social Security cards are sent out within two to four weeks
after an application is received. In the meantime, a receipt may be issued,
to prove the application is in process. If your local Social Security
office does not issue a receipt, then a copy of the application should
be made.
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Appeals Process
If your client is denied Social Security benefits, a letter
will be sent to your client explaining the decision and how to appeal
the decision. Your client has the right to appeal this decision if he/she
does not agree with it.
Generally, your client has 60 days from the date of the decision to appeal.
If an appeal is not made on time, the Claims Representative
(CR) may dismiss your client's appeal. This means your client may not
be eligible
for
the next step in the appeal process and he/she
also may lose his/her right to any further review.
Your client must have a good reason to wait more than 60 days to request
an appeal. If an appeal is filed after the deadline, your client must
explain the reason why the appeal is late and request an extension in
writing. Social Security office representatives will determine whether
or not
the reason is acceptable.
When appealing a decision made by Social Security, your client should
know there is a four-step appeal process:
- Reconsideration
- Hearing by an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ)
- Review by the Appeals Council
- Federal court review
(1) Reconsideration
Your client may request a review of the case if he/she disagrees with the first
decision. A different person who did not make the first decision will decide
the case again.
(2)Hearing
If your client disagrees with the reconsideration, he/she may request a hearing
before an ALJ.
(3) Appeals Council Review
If your client disagrees with the ALJ's action, he/she may request that the
Appeals Council review the case.
(4) Federal Court
Your client may request an appeal through the
United States court system, starting with the
United States District Court, if he/she disagrees
with the Appeals Council's decision, or if his/her
request for a review is denied.
Visit www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10041.html for more information about the Social Security
appeals process.
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