The Social Security Administration (SSA) manages the nation’s social insurance program – consisting of retirement, survivors, and disability insurance – commonly known as Social Security. It also administers the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program for the aged, blind, and disabled. SSA also assigns Social Security numbers to U.S. citizens and maintains earnings records for workers under their Social Security numbers. 

Although the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services is the federal agency in charge of the Medicare program, the Social Security Administration determines entitlement to Medicare benefits and issues replacement Medicare cards.

If you are having a specific problem with your Social Security benefit that you cannot resolve and need assistance, information on how to open a case file can be found on my Casework Resolution web page. If your application for a benefit has been denied, you have a right to appeal that decision if you do not agree. It is important to understand that there is a 60-day time limit from the denial during which you can ask for an appeal or you may lose your right to appeal. Your appeal must be made to the Social Security Administration in writing within 60 days of the SSA denial. While I cannot appeal the decision for you, my office can assist you with understanding your options and once you have an appeal filed can further assist by assuring that your case gets a fair review.