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  5. Can I receive Social Security disability benefits if I am homeless?

Can I receive Social Security disability benefits if I am homeless?

Benefits are available to anybody who meets the medical and technical qualifying requirements for the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) disability programs. As a homeless person, you have the same rights as everybody else, but there are certain obstacles you’ll need to overcome in order to file your application.

How to Apply for Social Security Benefits if You Are Homeless

An online application can be submitted from any computer with an internet connection, and you are not required to finish it personally. Another person may file on your behalf.

Libraries, churches, homeless shelters, and advocacy organizations are just a few possible locations for submitting an online application. Another alternative is to consult a disability attorney, or you can visit any Social Security office to schedule an appointment or file a disability application.

Is it possible for me to qualify if I am homeless?

Conquering Communication Obstacles
When you lack a permanent residence and may not even have regular access to a phone, it might be difficult to provide the SSA with any contact information. Bear in mind that if you apply for benefits, the SSA may need to contact you, and you’ll need to receive messages swiftly in order to reply to what are normally some quite tight deadlines. The Social Security Administration typically gives people approximately ten days to respond to inquiries or requests, so it’s critical that you have a contact strategy in place.

You’ll need a friend, family member, or someone else who is constantly aware of your whereabouts and contact information.

Consider obtaining permission from a church, shelter, or advocacy organization to act as your contact, if necessary. Additionally, you can employ a Social Security disability lawyer to handle your claim and act as your principal point of contact for questions and other contacts.

How to Receive Your Benefit Payments

If you are authorized for benefits, you will need to address further concerns, including how you will get your payments. The Social Security Administration no longer mails checks and all payments are now made online. This means that you must have a bank account or else enroll in the Direct Express service.

If you have a bank account, you can enroll in direct deposit online, in a local Social Security Administration branch, or by phone at 1-800-772-1213. If you need to use Direct Express instead, the local office or 1-877-212-9991 can assist you. The disadvantage of Direct Express is that you will still require a mailing address to obtain your debit card. A shelter address, a trusted friend’s, family member’s, or church organization’s address may work. If you have a disability attorney, the card may also be received on your behalf by his or her office.

Obtaining Assistance with a Social Security Disability Claim

Even without the added obstacles associated with homelessness, the disability application, review, and approval processes are difficult. Obtaining the additional assistance you require may appear overwhelming, but a disability advocate or attorney may be the answer. Additionally, keep in mind that disability attorneys are compensated on a contingency basis, which means they are paid only if their clients are granted for benefits. As a result, you can obtain the assistance you require without having to pay anything up front. Submit a free evaluation form today to connect with an attorney who can assist you.