We help constituents who are having problems with their Social Security benefits and eligibility.  If you have tried to resolve a problem with the Social Security Administration (SSA) and have run into problems, we might be able to help. You will need to fill out a privacy release and send it -- along with an explanation of the problem you are having -- to:

Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz
Pembroke Pines City Hall
10100 Pines Blvd., 2nd Floor
Pembroke Pines, FL 33026
Phone: 954-437-3936
Fax: 954-437-4776

Answers to some frequently asked questions:

How do I apply for benefits?

Contact the Social Security Administration (SSA) at 1-800-772-1213 or 1-800-325-0778 (TTY). You can ask the SSA to send you the correct forms, and they can answer your questions.  

In order to qualify for disability benefits, you must have a physical and/or mental problem that keeps you from working for at least 12 months, or is expected to result in death.  You must also have worked long enough (earned a certain number of "credits") and recently enough under the Social Security System.  The specific numbers are handled on a case-by-case basis.  

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 will go back to the state agency in Springfield. If you file a second appeal, your file will be sent to the local Office of Hearings and Appeals, where the hearing is heard before an Administrative Law Judge, and may take several months.  If you file a third appeal, it will go to the Office of Hearings and Appeals in Virginia, and will take about two years to be decided.

If you receive disability benefits, the benefits won't begin until the sixth full month after the date the Social Security Administration determines the disability began.  In addition, you must wait two years before you qualify for Medicare coverage.  

How do I apply for Supplemental Security Income (SSI)?

Contact the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 or 1-800-325-0778 (TTY).

Supplemental Security Income is an income assistance program administered by the Social Security Administration for people who are 65 or older, blind or disabled without: personal assets worth more than $2,000; access to more than $520 per month (without holding a job); and $1,073 per month (while being employed).  

These amounts change periodically.  For the most current, call SSA at the above number.

You can generally expect an answer on whether you are eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) within two to six months.

How do I apply for retirement benefits?

Call 1-800-772-1213 or 1-800-325-0778 (TTY).

In order to be eligible for retirement benefits, you have to have enough "credits" and money paid into Social Security.

You are eligible for SSA retirement benefits when you reach age 62.  Your benefits will be reduced if you file prior to your full retirement age.  

The amount you receive depends on how much you earned while 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 find out more about credit you may receive, contact the Social Security Administration (SSA) at 1-800-772-1213.