Social Security

We help many constituents who are experiencing difficulties with Social Security benefits and eligibility. If you have tried to resolve a problem with the Social Security Administration and have run into problems, we might be able to help.

To submit a request for assistance, please complete a privacy release form and send it, along with an explanation of the problem, to:

Congressman Hal Rogers
Somerset District Office
551 Clifty Street
Somerset, KY 42541
Ph. (800) 632-8588
      (606) 679-8346     
Fax (606) 678-4856

Answers to some frequently asked questions:

1.) Am I eligible for various benefits under Social Security?

To determine eligibility for the programs administered by the Social Security Administration, you may use the SSA Benefit Eligibility Screening Tool (B.E.S.T.) by visiting http://best.ssa.gov.

2.) Who is eligible for retirement benefits, and how do I apply?
 
If you have paid social security taxes for at least 10 years, or if you are the surviving spouse of someone who has, you may be eligible for SSA retirement benefits when you reach age 65 (however, beginning in 2003, the age at which you can apply for retirement benefits will increase gradually from 65 to 67). You can also apply as early as age 62, but the benefits you receive will be reduced.

The amount you receive depends on how much you earned when you were working. 

You can also delay applying for Social Security retirement.  If you do so, your extra income may increase your benefit amount, and you will receive a credit.

To apply for benefits or to get more information about the SSA retirement program, call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).

3.) Who is eligible for disability benefits, and how do I apply?
 
In order to qualify for disability benefits, you must be unable to perform work of any kind and your disability must be expected to last at least one year or result in death.  You must also have worked long enough (earned certain number of "credits") and recently enough under the Social Security System.  The specific numbers depend on individual situations. 

The SSA receives numerous applications for disability benefits.  Because of the large volume of applications, it can take a long period of time to receive a decision.  If your application is denied, you may appeal the decision.  The first appeal, called a Request for Reconsideration, will go to the Office of Disability Determinations in Frankfort, Ky., and may take several months.  If denied again and appealed, the second appeal will go to the Office of Hearings and Appeals, and will take about two years to be decided.

If you are deemed eligible to receive disability, your benefits will begin six full months after the Social Security Administration decides the disability began. In addition, you must wait two years before you qualify for Medicare coverage.

To apply for benefits, contact the Social Security Administration (SSA) at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).  You can ask SSA to send you the correct forms, and they can answer questions you may have. 

4.) Who is eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and how do I apply?
 
Supplemental Security Income is an income assistance program administered by the Social Security Administration for individuals who:

• Are blind or disabled
• Have assets totaling less than $2,000 ($3,000 for a couple)
• Are employed and earn less than $830 per month
• Are unemployed and earn less than $520 per month

To apply for benefits or to ask questions, contact the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).