What Is Social Security
In 1935, President Franklin Roosevelt signed the Social Security Act. This new federal legislature started the collecting of taxes in 1937. Since then, working citizens across the United States began paying into social security in order to have a form of guaranteed income once they reached retirement age.
The Social Security Act was initially meant to be a form of basic retirement for working individuals. However, in 1939, an amendment was made to the act that allowed spouses and/or children to begin receiving social security survivor benefits if a parent or spouse was deceased and qualified for social security income.
Social Security Office Ft Smith Arkansas 6801 Dallas Street 72903
Social Security office Ft Smith, AR located at 6801 Dallas Street offers services provided by the Social Security Administration such as Social Security disability benefits information and resources for applying for SSDI in Ft Smith, retirement benefits, prescription benefits and many more. Below is more information about this local Ft Smith Social Security office, including the address, hours of operation, phone number, and making appointment.
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.
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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.
Social Security Office For Fort Smith Ar 72901
Ft Smith Social Security Office Address :
6801 DALLAS STREET
Social Security Phone Social Security Phone TTY
MON: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PMTUES: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PMWED: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PMTHUR: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PMFRI: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PMSAT & SUN: CLOSED
Federal Holidays & Emergency Closures Office details verified 13 Nov 2022
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Show Up With Your Documents
When you call for the appointment, be sure to ask the Claims Specialist which forms you should bring, and take notes. It may require some time to locate your documents, but if you cannot find all of them, bring what you have.
If you forget a document or cant find it, you may need to make another trip so its worth checking the notes you took while speaking with the Claims Specialist.
You should always bring your Social Security Card and a copy of any personal identifying information . If you have a US passport or US birth certificate, take them with you.
If you are not a US citizen or are naturalized, bring all documentation relating to your temporary or permanent resident status to your appointment.
Applying For Social Security Disability Benefits In Arkansas What You Need To Know
There are generally three stages in the application process for Social Security Disability benefits: initial application, reconsideration, and the hearing. In this table, you can see how Arkansas compares to the national average when it comes to approval rates at each of those stages.
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Social Security Resource Guide
Doing a bit of research can help you prepare for the application process and collect the correct information. It can reduce stress and hassle to prepare a bit beforehand. Read the Social Security Administration Benefits Resources Guide to find links and resources for each kind of SSA benefit.
David Duford
David Duford is the owner of SSAOffices.com. He owns numerous businesses including life and Medicare agencies, dedicated to helping seniors with their insurance needs. David resides in Chattanooga, Tennessee with his wife and four chlidren.
Frequently Asked Questions At Office
- Are Social Security Offices affected by Coronavirus ?
All local Social Security offices will be closed to the public for in-person service starting Tuesday, March 17, 2020.
- How do I apply for Social Security disability benefits?
Social Security offers an online online disability application. Contact your local Social Security office.
- How do I change or correct my name on my Social Security card?
There is no charge for a Social Security card. This service is free. The same applies once you receive the I-766 card, Employment Authorization Document , from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and bring required evidence. Learn More About Required Documents.
- How do I get a new or replacement Social Security Card?
If your Social Security card is lost or stolen you can replace it through the Social Security Administration website www.ssa.gov, or by visiting your local SSA office or mail your application and documents to your local Social Security office.
- Can I schedule an appointment with the Social Security office?
The SSA does not have an online appointment scheduler.
- How do I find out my Social Security benefits?
Sign up for your “My Social Security” account online to review your information, apply for benefits and manage your account. Visit www.ssa.gov/myaccount/ and select “Create an Account”.
Additional Resources
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Proving Your Disability In Fort Smith Arkansas
One of the reasons benefits are denied is because applicants fail to demonstrate that they have a qualifying disability. Our Fort Smith, AR Social Security Disability attorneys are available to assist you in gathering the evidence you need to increase your chances for approval. Additionally, our office will help you avoid some common mistakes, including omissions or missing deadlines during the application process
How To Appeal The Ssas Decision If I Am Denied Benefits
You can file for an appeal online in your my Social Security account. You need to fill in your information and complete the appropriate form. In some cases, you can request an appeal in person at your local Social Security office.
If you have any questions about applying for an appeal or escalating the appeals process you can contact your local Social Security office.
To learn more about fees, wait times, and the requirements of filing an appeal visit How To Appeal An SSA Decision And Check The Status Of An Appeal. That article mentions the specific forms you will need to fill out to escalate an appeal.
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A Guide To Your Local Ssa Office Visit
The Social Security Administration local office is the location that handles all types of Social Security claims and applications, from retirement to Social Security Disability Insurance to Supplemental Security Income . When you visit, you can get more help if you have questions ready for the representative who serves you.
Use these tips to ensure your SSA trip goes as smoothly as possible, with few hassles and hiccups. It helps to go prepared.
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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Social Security Representatives In Fort Smith Ar
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Social Security Administration Services
The Social Security Administration in Ft Smith, AR will help you navigate several federal programs that include retirement, SSI, Medicare and disability benefits. Your local Social Security Office can help accept applications, determine your eligibility for various programs, hear appeals if your request was denied, and also can assist individuals trying to access their benefits. All of these and more are available at this location at 6801 Dallas Street , Ft Smith, Arkansas.
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Social Security Office Structure
The Social Security Administration is headquartered in Woodlawn, Maryland. The SSA employs roughly 62,000 individuals that work in 10 regional offices, 8 processing centers, 1300 field offices and 37 tele-service offices. The SSA is divided into 10 different regions across the United States. Each of those regions has a main office that oversees the field offices located throughout that region.
*SocialSecurityPledge.org is NOT affiliated with or endorsed by the Social Security Administration , the Ft Smith Social Security Office, or any other government agency. All of the information presented on this website isn’t guaranteed to be accurate and we’re not liable for any mistakes that are displayed on this site.
How To Find The Correct Application Forms
Once you have researched applying for benefits and collected the required documents you will need to complete the application form.
. This article covers the forms you will need when applying for retirement benefits, child benefits, survivors benefits, mothers and fathers benefits, and lump-sum death benefits.
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Your Doctors Are Important
Your treating physician and any specialists you are seeing are vital in presenting a clear picture of your disability. Medical professionals could provide a clinical assessment of your condition, whether the impairment is physical or mental. Your doctors credentials are also important the SSA does not view all medical opinions with the same weight. It is better to have a specialist in their field speaking to your condition rather than a doctor who practices in a different field.
Medical statements from your treating doctors could be used to describe your condition and treatment. By explaining the results of diagnostic tests and the symptoms of your condition, a medical professional will connect the dots for the SSA. You need your doctor to say more than my patient is suffering from a disability. Their opinion should address how your impairment negatively impacts your ability to do required work tasks, such as standing, sitting, or retaining information.
Fort Smith Couple Sentenced To Federal Prison For Social Security Fraud
FORT SMITH, Ark. On June 27, a Fort Smith husband and wife were sentenced to federal prison for theft of government funds and aiding and abetting.
According to a press release, the Honorable Judge P.K. Holmes, III, presided over the sentencing hearings in the United States District Court in Fort Smith.
Stephen Wayne Schwartz, 55, was sentenced to six months in prison followed by three years of supervised release and Rebekah Jolea Schwartz, 44, was sentenced to six months in prison followed by three years of supervised release. They were ordered to pay restitution, jointly and separately, to the Social Security Administration in the amount of $167,756.60.
Rebekah Schwartz was formerly the Sebastian County Justice of the Peace and resigned in March after her conviction. Stephen Schwartz also served in that role from 2019-2020 before his wifes election.
The Social Security Administration is set up to make funds available to those who are truly in need because of a disability. However, through their criminal conduct, Mr. and Mrs. Schwartz lined their own pockets with this money that was intended to help those with legitimate disabilities, said United States Attorney David Clay Fowlkes. Our office will continue to pursue fraud cases such as this one and will continue to seek to protect programs like this, which are designed to help some of the most vulnerable members of our society.
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How Do I Apply For Disability Benefits
If you need to apply for disability benefits, you have a few options. You can apply online, over the phone, or at your local office. The online application is the quickest and easiest way, but the other methods are available should you need them. Should you need to apply over the phone, simply call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 .
Substantial Gainful Activity And Ssdi
An important concept to understand is substantial gainful activity . SGA is the amount of monthly income the SSA has determined qualifies someone for SSDI benefits. As of 2021, the SGA for a disabled applicant is $1,310 and $2,190 for a blind individual. Therefore, if you are capable of earning more than $1,310 a month, you will not qualify for SSDI benefits.
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How Do I Apply For Social Security Benefits
You will need to complete an application for benefits. This can be done online, in person, or over the phone. The application process is necessary whether you are applying for retirement or disability benefits. You will need your Social Security number and other required documentation to complete your application.
How To Check My Earning Records With The Ssa
You can get your earning records from the SSA online or by mail. It is recommended that you view your earning records before applying for benefits. That way you can confirm your benefits will be calculated correctly.
To find your earning records follow these steps:
To read more about the documents you can use to verify your earning records, read my article How To Check My Earning Records And Adjust Them If Necessary provides step-by-step directions for accessing and adjusting your earning records.
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What Documents Will I Need To Provide
When collecting the documents you will need to apply for your benefits to confirm they are correct. The Social Security Administration will accept photocopies for certain documents but other documents may need to be original.
Generally, you must provide proof of age, income, work history, identity, and citizenship. To learn more about the documents you will need to provide read the article What Documents Must I Provide The Social Security Administration When Applying For Benefits.
Confirm Your Documents Are Correct
To confirm you have the correct documents cross-reference with a list of required documents. Double-check, incorrect documentation is a common reason for an application to be rejected.
Refer to the What Documents Must I Provide The Social Security Administration When Applying For Benefits to find a list of documents. You can use this list to cross-reference.
How Do I Make An Appointment With The Fort Smith Arkansas Office
Even in situations where your local office is open normal hours, it is always better to schedule an appointment to help cut down on your wait time. You can call the Fort Smith, Arkansas office at 866-931-8374 to schedule your appointment. When you make the call, they can also let you know what documents you need to bring to your appointment.
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