Social Security Information

What My Office Can Do for You

With 16 percent of the United States population and 91 percent of citizens age 65 and older receiving Social Security benefits, it is more important than ever that the public have the assistance they need regarding their needs within the Social Security Administration.  As your Congressman, I have a responsibility and an obligation to giving you, the constituent, the best service and advice in this area.  With the help of my staff, we have assembled information for your use, explaining Social Security, its benefits, and how our office can help resolve your issues.

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Each day my offices get calls from constituents who need more than just some information on what Social Security is about.  People have complications with their claims that become a burden causing both financial problems and physical stress.  Elected as your Congressman, I want every constituent to have a place to turn when they need help with their claims.  My office can assist you in a multitude of ways regarding your Social Security benefits and I encourage you to contact my staff when any of the following arise:

• Securing your full benefits.
  
• Obtaining your back-pay
  
• Waiting for your case to appear before an Administrative Law Judge.
  
• Checking the status of your claim.
  
• Receiving your retirement or survivor benefits

Please feel free to contact Phil Stark of my Clarks Summit office with any or these or other concerns:

Phil Stark
(570) 585-9988
Phil.Stark1@mail.house.gov

You can also begin your casework online by clicking here

Click here to search for the Social Security office nearest to you.

Becoming Eligible for Social Security

In order to earn eligibility for Social Security, credits must be built up over an average period of 10 years.  In 2006, For every $970 I an individual makes in earnings, one credit is gained, for no more than 4 credits a year.  The amount of money needed to earn one credit does go up every new year.  The most common amount of credits a person must build up to qualify for benefits is 40 (10 years of work).  The younger the person, the less credits they need to be eligible. 

Social Security Disability (SSD)

If an individual becomes disabled, they should file for Social Security immediately due to the length of process for a claim.  When applying, make sure that you have the following:

• Medical Records for your doctors, therapists, hospitals, clinics and caseworkers
  
• Your Laboratory and other test results
  
• The names, addresses, phone and fax numbers of your doctors, clinics and hospitals
  
• The names of all medications you are taking
  
• The names of your employers and job duties for the last 15 years
  
• Supplying this information upon applying for Disability will greatly enhance the processing time of your application 
  

Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

Supplemental Security Income is designed for individuals who are receiving Social Security benefits, but have limited income and resources.  SSI benefits are paid monthly to people who are 65 or older or who are blind or disabled. 

Survivor Benefits

When an individual dies, their family may be eligible for benefits based on your work. 

Family members who can collect benefits include a widow, or widower who is:

• 60 or older
  
• 50 or older and disabled
  
• Any age if he or she is caring for your child who is younger than 16 or disabled and receiving Social Security Benefits.
  

Your children can receive benefits, too, if they are unmarried and:

• Younger then 18 years old
  
• Between 18 and 19 years old, but in an elementary or secondary school as a full-time student
  
• Age 18 or older and severely disabled (the disability must have started before age 22)

 

Helpful Links

Social Security Administration

• How To Apply
• Services
• Benefits
• Forms
• Disability
• What You Can Do Online
• Look up local Social Security Administration Offices