The National Organization of Social Security Claimants Representatives (NOSSCR) recently did an analysis on the reduction of Supplemental Security Income (SSI) applications being filed since Social Security offices closed in mid March due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The analysis shows just how much the pandemic has impacted the ability to file applications.
Since March the number of SSI applications being filed has significantly dropped from 2019. As an example, applications for SSI were up by 10 percent in January compared to 2019 prior to the pandemic that forced Social Security to close its doors, but the decline in applications came soon after that.
In March the number of SSI applications was down by 21 percent and even more, by 38 percent in April, compared to 2019. Unfortunately this is not a big surprise. Since April the volume of SSI applications has fluctuated, but has not come close to reaching the number of applications filed in any month of 2019. A significant portion of applications were filed in person at a Social Security office and with offices remaining mostly closed to the public this option is now limited.
If an application can’t be filed in person for SSI there is only one other option, to apply by phone. This requires scheduling a phone interview with Social Security to apply for SSI, but as we’ve mentioned in previous blogs, phone service at Social Security is not stellar. It can be a time consuming process to try and schedule an SSI phone interview. Unlike a Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) application, people can’t apply for SSI online. Because SSI is a needs-based program, qualifying is dependent on meeting low income and asset rules. This type of application would be difficult to complete online, so the only real option now is for the application to be completed by phone.
