Social Security Administration (Lewis County)

The Socal Security Administration provides many essential services for Lewis County residents.

Monthly Cash Benefits

Seniors (age 62+) can receive monthly cash payments from Social Security. The benefit amount depends on how much money you’ve earned throughout your life and the number of quarters of coverage credited to your Social Security record.

Family members of deceased workers may also be eligible for benefits, including:

• A widow or widower age 60+ (50+ if disabled)
• A widow or widower of any age who is caring for the deceased’s child who is under age 16 or is disabled.
• Unmarried children of the deceased who are under age 18 or developmentally disabled.
• Parents, age 62+, who are dependent on the deceased for at least half of their support.

Payments are made by the 6th of each month.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) & Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)

SSI is for elderly, blind and disabled individuals who otherwise struggle to affrod food and shelter. There are a strict set of financial requirements for this means-tested benefit.

SSDI is an entitlement program for any person who has paid into Social Security for at least 10 years regardless of income and assets.

Ticket to Work Program

Those with disabilities can receive assistance returning to work or getting their first job through the Ticket to Work program. Recipients receive a ticket that they may use to obtain services and jobs from state vocational rehabilitation agencies or organizations. When that ticket is redeemed at an agency, that agency coordinates and helps the individual find and maintain employment.

People who participate in this program will continue receiving their Social Security benefits until they begin earning wages or income above the applicable earnings limit. They will continue to receive health care benefits even after that financial cap is met.

Those who earn too much and have their benefits stop can later apply for Expedited Reinstatement. Under Expedited Reinstatement, those benefits are resumed without having to complete a new application. You can apply for Expedited Reinstatement any time within 5 years after your benefits end.

The Ticket to Work program is completely voluntary and there is no penalty for not participating.

Medicare & Health Care Benefits

The Social Security Administration offers hospital insurance (Part A), medical insurance (Part B), prescription drug insurance (Part D), Extra Help and a Medicare Beneficiary Ombudsman. You can enroll in Part A & B before your 65th birthday so they take effect once you’re 65.

Part A helps pay for hospital costs, especially inpatient hospital care, home health care and sometimes hospice care.

Part B helps pay for physician’s services, outpatient hospital services, emergency room care, home health vsiits, outpatient physical therapy,s peech therapy, diagnostic services, ambulatory services, surgical dressing, splints, etc.

Part D helps pay for prescription drugs. It covers both brand-name and generic prescriptions at participating pharmacies. Several plans are available with varying premiums and deductibles.

Extra Help is available for certain eligible people with limited resources and low incomes. To qualify, your income must be equal to or less than $17,820 for an individual or $24,030 for a married couple who is living together. Combined assets (not including your home, vehicle, personal possessions, life insurance, burial plots, etc) must not exceed $13,640 for an individual or $27,250 for a couple. The Extra Help program assists with the costs of monthly premiums, annual deductibles and prescription co-payments. According to the Social Security Administration, the value of Extra Help is approximately $4,000 per year. Thsi program is automatically awarded to those participating in Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Medicaid.

The Ombudsman is available to discuss Medicare topics, Medigap supplemnetal insurance, complaints, fraud, abuse or waste. Call to schedule an appointment.

Burial Benefits

Certain Social Security recipients may be eligible to receive a one-time payment of $225 to help cover burial expenses. The money is paid to the surviving spouse or child who is eligible for benefits on the deceased’s record in the month of the death.

Social Security Cards

Change your name or request a new social security card at the office for free!