Tinas Story: Dreaming For Our Future
Health First Colorado has been with Tinas family from the beginning, helping this single mom afford health care for her two adopted children. Children who are adopted from foster care may qualify for Health First Colorado.
Watch Tinas story and learn about her experience with Health First Colorado. Stay tuned, more videos to come!
Be Polite And Patient
Keep in mind that the Claims Representative you speak to talks with a lot of people each day, and some of them are frustrated and difficult. Your patience and kindness will go a long way to helping you get the service you deserve and getting all your questions answered.
While you are being polite, also be persistent. Its okay to ask a question more than once if you dont understand the answer.
Letters Of Employment For J
If you are participating in the Research Scholar, Short-Term Scholar, Professor, or Specialist category, you are not required to provide an employment letter in order to apply for a SSN. However, many scholars have reported they were asked to provide this. If you are asked to show a letter of employment, show the official item #4 on your DS-2019. If the SSA official insists that you must have a letter of employment, ask to speak with a supervisor. The supervisor should be aware of the relevant SSA regulations in Section RM 10211.345A of the Program Operations Manual System, which state J-1 is employment authorized and a sponsor letter is not required if Item 4 on the DS-2019 identifies one of the following 12 categories..
If you are participating in the J-1 Student Intern category, you must get a letter of employment from your hosting department at CSU in order to be eligible to apply for a SSN. If you are a Student Intern and are not being paid, you are not eligible for a SSN.
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What Kind Of Documentation Do I Need To Bring
The documentation you need to bring varies depending on what type of business you need to conduct at your local office. However, there are a few things that you should always bring along to your appointment. First, you need to bring your Social Security card. You will also need to have a valid photo ID, like a drivers license or passport. In some cases, you might need a marriage certificate or divorce decree if you need to apply for spousal benefits. You might also need a death certificate when applying for survivor benefits. These are the most common documents that you will need at the Social Security office.
How To Check The Status Of My Benefits Application
Once you have submitted the application for your benefits you need to wait for Social Security process the application and come to a decision. This could take a few days to a few months.
It depends on what benefit you are applying for, the information you provide, and the number of applications that are currently being processed.
If you would like to confirm your application status you can log into your my Social Security account and check from there.
Or you could call the Social Security office yourself and request information on your claim.
Each benefits application article I have written will provide details on how to check your applications status.
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How To Obtain Your Social Security Number
Note: If you are in J-1 status, complete check-in procedures with International Student & Scholar Services and wait 7-10 business days before applying for a SSN. This allows time for arrival data from the port of entry and SEVIS to be entered in the primary system that the Social Security Administration uses for authorization validation.
Complete the Application for a Social Security number . Form is available on the Social Security Administration website or at the Social Security Office.
- On item #5, select legal alien allowed to work.
- On items #9b/10b, leave blank if not applicable.
- On item #16 Mailing Address:
- You may have your Social Security Card sent directly to CSUs Foreign Tax Administrator if you would like. This will ensure you receive your Social Security Card in the event you change your address.
- The address is:
- Application for Social Security Number
- Valid U.S. government-issued identification to get into the building
When you submit your application to the Social Security office, request a receipt or a letter of verification indicating that you have applied for the SSN. It can take 4-8 weeks to receive your Social Security Card by mail, and the receipt will be helpful to the employers payroll department. You can start working before you receive the card.
How Can I Check My Social Security Benefits
You can easily check your Social Security benefits online at SSA.gov through a My Social Security account. This account allows you to do many things through the Social Security Administration. First, you can get information about your existing benefits. You can also estimate future benefits using their benefit calculator tools. You also have access to your earnings history and other valuable information about your Social Security benefits.
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How Do I Apply For Disability Benefits
If you need to apply for disability benefits, then completing an application online is the quickest and easiest way to do it. This will allow you to get an initial determination of your eligibility faster. You can also apply over the phone or in-person at your local office. Remember that you will need to call and schedule an appointment as no walk-ins are currently being accepted. If your benefits are denied, you can also file an appeal online. Many people choose to hire an attorney during the appeals process, so you might choose to go that route as well.
Social Security Administration Office
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 9:00AM 4:00PM
Wednesday 9:00AM 12:00PM
301 S. Howes Street, 4th FloorFort Collins, Colorado 80521
This office is located in the same government building as the US Post Office on the corner of S. Howes Street and W. Olive Street.
*Please note that because the Social Security Administration is located inside a federal building, you will need to bring a U.S. government-issued ID, go through a metal detector, and have your bag inspected. Examples of U.S. government-issued IDs include an unexpired visa, a Colorado drivers license, or a Colorado state ID. Your passport will not work because it is not issued by the U.S. government, and your visa cannot be used for this purpose if it is expired.
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How To Change My Address When I Move
It is a requirement that you notify the SSA when you move. If you do not report your change of address in time or if you do not report your change of address at all you may lose your Social Security payments.
You can change your address online by:
To learn more about the reporting deadline and the consequences of missing the deadline read the article How To Change My Address. This article covers common questions, methods of reporting, and what to do if you move abroad.
I Want To Sign Up For Only Part A Or Both Part A & Part B
Once youre eligible to sign up for Medicare , you have 2 options:
Once you sign up , youll get a welcome package with your Medicare card.
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Your Guide To Colorado Social Security Office Facilities
There is a Colorado Social Security office in most parts of the state. The federal government manages these facilities. Specifically, the Social Security Administration is in charge of overseeing these establishments in Colorado and throughout the country. You may need to go to a Colorado Social Security office to apply for benefits through the SSA. This is especially true if you are nearing retirement age. However, you may be able to apply for Social Security in Colorado at one of these facilities if you are younger as well. In these circumstances, though, you need to meet additional eligibility requirements.
At the Social Security office in Colorado, you can apply for different types of federal programs. For example, you can submit your Colorado application to enroll in Social Security retirement or Medicare. You can also report to one of these Colorado SS office facilities and apply for Social Security Disability Insurance or Supplemental Security Income . Even if you do not have immediate plans to apply for benefits, it is important that you understand where your closest Colorado SS office is located. You will also need this office to apply for a Social Security Number or SS card. The Colorado Social Security office can also process your application for these IDs.
Find a Colorado Social Security Office Near You
ZIP code.
How Do I Protect Myself From Social Security Scams
Scammers use phone calls, emails, text messages, and letters to impersonate Social Security personnel and trick people into giving up personal information.
Common tactics include asking for your Social Security number and threatening to cut off Social Security benefits if personal information isnt provided.
Always remember, the Social Security Administration offers free forms and services.
If you suspect that youve been a victim of a Social Security scam or wish to report any attempts, you can call the Office of the Inspector General hotline from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday, excluding Federal holidays.
You can also submit a fraud report through the OIG website.
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How To Speak To A Live Person
When contacting your local SSA office in Colorado, you may be directed to a prerecorded message or an auto-response bot. In many cases, you will need to speak to a live agent.
To do so you can say Speak to an agent. when the bot asks why you are calling. You may need to repeat that sentence three times before the bot transfers you to a live agent.
If you know the reason for your call you can describe it when speaking to the bot and then the bot can direct you to the appropriate Social Security Administration team.
This number is a live person SSA assistance number 1-800-772-1213. Contact this number Monday through Friday from 8 am to 7 pm.
How Do I Make An Appointment At A Social Security Office In Colorado
To make an appointment at a Social Security office in Colorado, you will need to call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 between the hours of 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM Monday through Friday. Remember that you do not need an appointment to apply for benefits or appeal a disability decision. These tasks can be completed online. You can also contact Social Security at the same number if you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment.
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An Office Visit Is Worth Your Time
Many people find that visiting the SSA office is the best way to get the help they need, and this is especially true of people who are unfamiliar with computers or the internet. The Claims Specialists are trained to answer questions about the process, and are there to help you with the most common reasons people visit the office: Social Security Disability applications, retirement benefits, and Social Security cards.
Its worth the time to go to the field office, but be sure to make an appointment, come prepared, ask questions, and find out what your next move is.
Will I Need A Ssn For Any Other Purpose
Some banks will ask for your Social Security Number in order to open a bank account. If you explain that you are an international student, they usually are willing to accept your Colorado College student identification number instead. Also, if you wish to apply for a Colorado state driver’s license, you will either need to have a Social Security Number, or provide proof that you are not eligible for one .
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My Social Security Card Was Lost/stolen What Should I Do
If your Social Security card has been lost or stolen, you need to act immediately! You will need to request a replacement card, but you should also take the proper steps to prevent identity theft. Thieves could use your information to apply for loans, obtain credit cards, or file fraudulent tax returns in your name. You should place a fraud alert on your Social Security number and keep a watch on your credit report. Also be aware of scams that attempt to steal your SSN.
What Are The Most Common Social Security Or Medicare Scams
Scammers will try many different scams to get your personal information. They are specifically looking for an identification number. Once they have that information they will use it to steal your identity or steal money.
This list includes some of the most common scams:
How To Protect My Personal Information And Social Security Number?
Protecting your personal information is vital. Ensure all documents are in a safe and secure location. Learn how to recognize and avoid common scams.
Be vigilant when you receive a phone call from someone claiming to work for the government. A Social Security officer will NEVER threaten you or say you will go to jail if you do not give them your personal information.
To learn more about common scams and how you can protect yourself read the article Avoid Social Security Fraud And Medicare Scams.
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Old Age Survivors And Disability
SSA administers the retirement, survivors, and disabled social insurance programs, which can provide monthly benefits to aged or disabled workers, their spouses and children, and to the survivors of insured workers. In 2010, more than 54 million Americans received approximately $712 billion in Social Security benefits. The programs are primarily financed by taxes which employers, employees, and the self-insured pay annually. These revenues are placed into a special trust fund. These programs are collectively known as Retirement, Survivors, Disability Insurance .
SSA administers its disability program partly through its Office of Disability Adjudication and Review , which has regional offices and hearing offices across the United States. ODAR publishes a manual, called HALLEX, which contains instructions for its employees regarding how to implement its guiding principles and procedures.
The RSDI program is the primary benefits program administered by the U.S. federal government, and for some beneficiaries is the vital source of income. Increasing access to this benefit program for low-income or homeless individuals is one of SSA’s goals. SSA is a member of the United States Interagency Council on Homelessness and works with other municipal, county, state, local and federal partners to increase access and approval for SSI/SSDI benefits who are eligible.
How To Apply For My Benefits
When applying for any kind of benefits you need to check the qualifying criteria, your income level, your citizenship, as well as other factors. You need to contact the Social Security Administration to set up an appointment, provide the correct documents, and fill out the application form.
Depending on the benefits you apply for the process could be slightly different. However most benefits applications include the following steps:
Application Process For Specific Social Security Benefits
I have written in-depth articles on the application process involved for each of the SSAs benefits. Each article covers who qualifies, the documents you need to collect, the application form, the wait time, and what to do once you are approved:
- To learn how you can apply for Retirement benefits please click this link. You will be directed to an informative article I have written to answer relevant questions about applying for retirement benefits.
- To learn more about applying for Disability benefits please click here. This article covers who is eligible and how you can apply.
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