Social Security Retiree Viewpoint

This blog is to discuss some of my work  experiences as a retiree from Social Security Administration as well as my personal experiences with The Social Security Administration.
My name is Marvin J. I was hired by the Social Security Administration in February 2005.  I retired from Social Security in April 2011.

Be advised that I,the author is not is not rendering any professional or legal advice nor am I representing any government agency.   Please visit or call your local Social Security office for current Social Security information concerning benefits ,credits  and other governmant information.  This blog concerns my firsthand knowledge and training and should be used for information only. If legal advice or guidance is needed, please consult with a professional legal agency.

Why do I want to write a blog on Social Security?  To help you better understand how Social Security works from an insider’s viewpoint.  Also I will be discussing the pros and cons that I encountered working for Social Security.

When I worked for Social Security,  I was an SSI Claims Representative.  I was responsible (among my many other duties) for processing all initial disability claims to include SSI AND SSDI (also called OASDI).

Social Security language is full acronyms. So before I go any further, allow me to explain what the acronyms mean.

First, we will start with SSI benefits.  SSI stands for Supplemental Security Income (I have no idea why it is called that). It is also called Title 16.  It is a program that is based on need (similar to welfare).  What happens in this program is that you (the person applying for benefits) will be asked a series of questions to determine if your income or resources (things you own) are within SSI guidelines to qualify you for the claims process before the claim for disability is taken.  If your Income or things you own (resources) exceed SSI limits, then your claim is denied at the intake process.  If your income/resource is with the SSI guidelines, then your SSI claim for disability will be taken. That is how SSI works in a nutshell.

Next, we have SSDI (Social Security Disability) which is also OASDI (Federal Old-Age (Retirement), Survivors, and Disability Insurance). This is also known as Title ll.

It simply means that when one was working, FICA (Federal Insurance Contributions Act tax) were regularly deducted from your paycheck and this money  was put into Federal Trust funds that are supposed to benefit you when you retired, become disabled, or died with a surviving dependents like a spouse or children. 

It is very important to understand the difference between the two programs.  SSI= ( Similar to welfare), OASDI=(You worked and contributed).

Once you understand this simple process then you are ready to move on to the next step. You may want to read this  blog again to get the full understanding. I update this blog regularly.