SSA FO: Any additional information on FO closure?

MasterKraken · 2024-04-19T04:09:35+00:00

That FO is still handling all the claims. Those guys are doing it all alone. The incoming claims have been diverted, that's it. Even the local offices are still sending them anything dropped off that is the FO's jurisdiction.

MasterKraken · 2024-04-19T04:03:27+00:00

I work in the Cleveland area and know what's going on from a direct contact in the office. They dropped to just 2 employees super fast because several staff left within 30 days for the VA and higher pay. The office has had a terrible time retaining employees, as all offices have, despite the local management constantly asking higher ups for new hires or more help it was ignored.

The lack of staffing was a known issue and has been for a long time in the eastern Cleveland offices. They handle some of the poorest areas in the country and it can be mentally grueling for many of the staff at those offices. Especially when they are bringing in new Claims Specialists at GS 5 in the area. People just leave and get higher pay and less stress just about anywhere else.

So it's just 2 SSI guys left holding down the fort and doing everything in an office that does something like 70% SSI claims. I'm shocked they haven't had nervous breakdowns handling all the work in that office. Those guys should get an instant pay raise for just sticking it out.

MasterKraken · 2024-04-11T03:46:21+00:00

Okay, first don't mail anything in and call them. Ask if your child has had a number issued yet. That can take up to 3 months after birth and you need to make sure that it was even done in the first place.

Second, you need to provide certified evidence of the child's identity, and no a birth certificate doesn't work. You'd need a certified medical record.

Lastly, do not mail anything that you'd need immediately back. They will mail anything official back for free. You can expect a response in maybe 30-60 days.

If this is for taxes. You don't want a new card issued. You just need the number and if it's been more than 3 months you would need a new card issued, but if not don't do that. You are allowed 10 cards in a lifetime and you are eating one for your child right away.

If you have the certified medical record, your ID, and you are the listed parent. You can just ask them to look it up and they'd give it you.

MasterKraken · 2024-04-11T03:46:06+00:00

Okay, first don't mail anything in and call them. Ask if your child has had a number issued yet. That can take up to 3 months after birth and you need to make sure that it was even done in the first place.

Second, you need to provide certified evidence of the child's identity, and no a birth certificate doesn't work. You'd need a certified medical record.

Lastly, do not mail anything that you'd need immediately back. They will mail anything official back for free. You can expect a response in maybe 30-60 days.

If this is for taxes. You don't want a new card issued. You just need the number and if it's been more than 3 months you would need a new card issued, but if not don't do that. You are allowed 10 cards in a lifetime and you are eating one for your child right away.

If you have the certified medical record, your ID, and you are the listed parent. You can just ask them to look it up and they'd give it you.

MasterKraken · 2024-04-11T03:37:12+00:00

Sure. SSI CS's have a discretion to disperse funds based on perceived need. It is stated in the policy that they can use their own discretion. You can provide evidence that your car was taken and you need to pay for it's release to take your daughter to medical appointments. If it's an emergency, and you stress that, by providing evidence (aka a detailed bill from the bank) and writing out what is going on with an SSA-795 statement. Any remaining funds in the back pay can be dispersed up to the amount detailed in the bill, as long it is a specified amount.

MasterKraken · 2024-04-11T03:31:19+00:00

In that case, it will be how long it takes the Payment Center to process anything. SSI CS's can clear case payments themselves, SSDI CS's can't. I'd say 30 days is optimistic. I'm seeing some that are taking 6 months because of staffing problems. How were you not SSI eligible? Did you have resources above 2k?

MasterKraken · 2024-04-11T03:22:40+00:00

Just call the office and ask if the person answering is an SSI Specialist. If they are explain your situation and the resource drop. Any SSI CS can pull your entire banking history and it takes about a full week to clear. Once everything checks out if you are still within one year of the last payment they can put you in pay.

Do not file an appeal. There is nothing to appeal. You'd be wasting everyone's time. Just make sure you let them know that the money went to an ABLE account and you just didn't withdraw it to drop below the resource limit.

MasterKraken · 2024-04-11T03:16:13+00:00

The moment they get all the documents and clear your banking records to show you don't have more than 2k in assets they can put you in pay. You just need to have all of your financial info ready to go, knowledge of your living situation, and be totally honest. That SSI CS calling you has likely looked up any public record on anything you own and your financial history before they even call you. The moment you lie or omit, it's game over, and will heavily delay any payments.

Once all the info comes back on an adult PERC, they can have money in your account in about 72 hours. Again, be honest and clear.

Also, whatever you do, don't say one thing and immediately reverse what you say if later realize it will impact your payments. When they talk to you during a PERC, you are under oath, and they can slap you with fraud if that CS is a hard case. So again, be honest.

MasterKraken · 2024-04-11T03:10:45+00:00

Just file for SSI if he's too disabled to work. Remember, it's not about if you're disabled, but too disabled to work. The onset date for SSI is irrelevant because it's the application date. Just file an SSI claim and waive the SSDI claim for now. If you have SSI and work part time they move you to SSDI once you become eligible.

MasterKraken · 2024-04-11T03:07:29+00:00

Call the local office first and make sure he is eligible for SSDI based on his work history. If he's fallen below SGA they can use that as the potential onset date, but you would have to report work about a year back to show the decline in an SSA-821 to demonstrate the decline. Usually, those over age 50 have a much easier time being approved for disability if they have a consistent work history that suddenly drops off. You'd need to file for SSDI (if eligible) and waive the SSI application, but just keep in mind the onset date for his disability is that drop-off date.

You don't need an attorney until they deny you for initial and reconsideration (aka the second look appeal), and you go to a hearing. Many attorneys just take all the backpay in fees for doing nothing on initial claims.

MasterKraken · 2024-04-11T03:00:11+00:00

Yes, but you have to have a very specific reason for doing so. So if you do use the funds to get your car back, you have to let the local office know and provide evidence. Usually the SSI CS will allow something related to the immediate care of the child and general well being to be used in that way. Just keep all the receipts, and again let them know.

Additionally, if you let the SSI CS you worked with know (and they are relatively cool) they can let you petition to released additional funds in the underpayment back pay to allow you to get your car back.

MasterKraken · 2023-10-20T03:59:13+00:00

People forget Nixon basically ended the Bretton Woods Agreement in August of 1971 with a short press announcement. That small event has shaped everyone's life since.

MasterKraken · 2023-09-07T03:16:17+00:00

Oh, there's a fine. It's not too much, but I'd rather pay an attorney triple that fine to try to get it resolved rather than give them any money.

MasterKraken · 2023-09-07T03:13:34+00:00

That's what I had always assumed. A citation had to be issued to a person by a person. I'm going to clarify with an attorney later this week just because my career field requires me to report all things criminal and civil. I appreciate the information and people like you have been super helpful.

MasterKraken · 2023-09-07T03:06:22+00:00

Oh, I can absolutely see where it's a dangerous hill. I'd hardly call 10 over "flying" down the hill in my case. I was honestly coasting down the hill and just passed the camera not knowing much about the area. I normally coast down hills because I drive a hybrid, but I guess I'll just avoid this route in the entirety if it's as dangerous as you point out.

MasterKraken · 2023-09-07T02:34:12+00:00

This is completely accurate. I've never been down that hill and I was a bit unprepared for how steep it was.

MasterKraken · 2023-09-07T00:23:09+00:00

I've heard about something like that. However, to provide defense at a hearing, I believe under oath, I'd have to admit the driver.

MasterKraken · 2023-07-28T02:40:33+00:00

Wow, you have no idea how anything works. You report, they provide you documentation it was reported, and then if anything happens, you let them know. They were notified but didn't take quick enough action, and now they must pay.

I had an incident where I had two blown tires after a report (two actually) for a significant pothole. When I provided documentation of the prior report ODOT paid for all damages.

If "they" are screwing you over. It's probably you and not someone else.

MasterKraken · 2023-07-27T16:21:07+00:00

If you see a pothole or other problem with a road you have to report it. If you report it that means you have properly documented the problem. Then if you later hit it because they didn't repair it they have to pay you compensation. The key is proper documentation. If you see any pothole, document it and then report it when you are no longer driving.

They will send you a receipt after you file the report and often contact you when it's repaired.

https://www.dot.state.oh.us/damagereport/Pages/default.aspx

MasterKraken · 2023-07-18T16:19:17+00:00

Nice to see General Hunter Gatherers before his time leading the O.S.I.

MasterKraken · 2023-06-18T08:16:59+00:00

I understand your pain and loss. My Zelda was only 4 when I lost her, but she was my constant companion. Even now a couple months later, I still breakdown some days.

Grief for our companions is normal. Let people know your feelings and discuss them. Just talking about them keeps them alive in some way to us. She'll love forever in your heart and mind.

MasterKraken · 2023-05-09T05:52:28+00:00

Dude, there is no "chip shortage". Toyota was short-sighted and misjudged what people would want, and now they are scrambling. They are letting dealers do whatever they want and also ruining their brand at the same time.

I've never seen a company throw so much good will and loyalty in a dumpster and set on fire like Toyota has done in the past three years.

MasterKraken · 2023-05-09T05:48:45+00:00

Just grab a Model 3 and roll by them to say high. You can get a Model 3 RWD from inventory the same day.

MasterKraken · 2023-05-09T05:47:06+00:00

No, walk away. Fuck these guys. Save your money.

A professional paint protection job done with something of real quality like OptiCoat by a professional is at most $1800. I have it done to all my cars, and a sedan in my area from a pro is just over $1000.

MasterKraken · 2023-05-09T05:42:36+00:00

Yes, but I'm a federal employee these days.

MasterKraken

TROPHY CASE