Social Security Resources for NJ Libraries

Please see below for important Social Security Administration resources for library staff and social workers. As more libraries partner with schools of social work and have interns to help people with different services, including applying for social security, these resources could be shared.

Additionally, Everett M. Lo, Regional Communications Director of the Social Security Administration New York Regional Public Affairs Office is happy to host a virtual meeting with your social workers and social work interns to provide some basic information about their programs and benefits and answer any questions they may have about the below information.

Social Security Administration Publications:

You may order SSA publications free-of-charge.  Just go to www.ssa.gov/pubs and jot down the names and publication numbers of the publications you’d like to receive, then click on the Order link at the top right hand corner of the page for the mailing address, email address, and fax number to which you may send your request.  Remember to specify the name of the publication, inventory control number, and quantity you wish to receive, as well as the address to which the publications should be sent.  Publications are sent via U.S. Postal Service and generally take three to four weeks for delivery.  Here’s a list of our most frequently requested publications:

• Understanding the Benefits (05-10024)
• Your Social Security Number and Card (05-10002)
• Retirement (05-10035)
• Disability Benefits (05-10029)
• Survivors Benefits (05-10084)
• Supplemental Security Income (05-11000)
• Update (05-10003)
• Frequently Accessed Online Services (05-10669)
• How to Create an Online Account (05-10540)
• Social Security Protects Your Investment (05-10004)

Apply for Benefits or Get Benefit Verification Letter:

The fastest way to apply for Social Security retirement or disability benefits and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or enroll in traditional Medicare, Parts A (Hospital) and B (Medical) is online.  If you’re 18 or older and work, set up your my Social Security account today at www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount, where you may review your earnings information for accuracy if you have not already applied.  When you’re ready to apply, just log in and file online.  If you’re already receiving Social Security benefits, you also may manage your benefits online using your my Social Security account.  Need proof of your income from Social Security or SSI?  The Fastest Way to Verify Social Security and Supplemental Security Income Benefits (ssa.gov).

Apply for a New or Replacement Social Security Number Card:

Someone who wishes to apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) for the first time may start the process online at www.ssa.gov/number-card.  After you’ve submitted the information online, you then must visit your local Social Security office or, if you live or receive mail or Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, or the Bronx, your servicing Social Security Card Center, within 45 days to present your original, unexpired, current proof of age, identity, and lawful resident status.  In many cases, you may be eligible to schedule an appointment online to visit your local office or Card Center.

A U.S. citizen who has state-issued ID, like a drivers license, may be able to Request a Replacement Social Security Card (ssa.gov) online without having to visit an office or Card Center.  Just log into your my Social Security account today at www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount.  Otherwise, go to www.ssa.gov/number-card and select Replace your card to submit your information electronically and schedule an appointment to visit your office or Card Center.

Need help finding your local office or Card Center?  Go to www.ssa.gov/locator, select Locate an Office by ZIP, enter your ZIP Code, and select Locate.  If you live or receive mail in Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, or the Bronx, you’ll choose between I Need Card Services for your servicing Card Center or I Need Other Services for your local Social Security office.  Otherwise, your local office’s information will be displayed.  Social Security offices are open Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m to 4:00 p.m.  Card Centers are open Monday to Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.  Card Centers are located only in Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, and the Bronx and are the only Social Security offices in those boroughs where people may apply for a new or replacement SSN card.

Schedule a Presentation about Social Security, SSI, and How to Enroll in Traditional Medicare:

Your Public Affairs Specialists are available to conduct professional presentations about our programs and services in person or virtually.  Most presentations last one hour plus time for questions and answers.  Audiences may include general public, including people preparing for retirement, retirees, caregivers, etc., community-based organizations and advocacy groups, especially those who work with people experiencing homelessness, library staff, social workers, etc.  Topics include retirement, disability, Medicare, SSI, and how and when to contact SSA.

Social Security Express:

If you have public use computers with internet access, please consider hosting Social Security Express, our desktop icon that navigates directly to the suite of our most frequently accessed online services.  If you’re interested, please contact your Public Affairs Specialists who will work with your IT staff to download the icon, embed the appropriate link, including unique site code for your library, and schedule training for your staff.

Finally, remember to check your annual Social Security Statement to make sure your annual earnings have been properly recorded.  Since your monthly Social Security retirement benefit is based on your highest 35 years of work, it’s important that you review your Social Security Statement every year.  You may access your Statement through your my Social Security account at www.ssa.gov/myaccount.