From 19th News:
Kathy Quitno-Bolt was still numb when she started calling Social Security days after her husband’s sudden death in July. Steve, her partner of 25 years and husband of 13, died four days after being diagnosed with lung cancer — just enough time for their daughter to arrive and say goodbye.
When she finally got through to someone, they told her they wouldn’t have an appointment to begin her application for survivor benefits until October.
Her head started spinning. Did she have enough saved to make it through then?
Survivor benefits could have stabilized Quitno-Bolt’s life when it felt like everything she knew was falling apart. But like many people across the country, she was facing significant delays at the Social Security Administration (SSA). …
Among those facing the longest delays are people claiming survivor benefits after the loss of a spouse and those applying on behalf of children who lost a parent. These groups are entitled to monthly payments that vary depending on the earnings of the worker who died and the age of the surviving spouse. There’s no online application for survivor benefits; they are at the mercy of the phones and the appointment calendar, which in the past year has become a logistical nightmare that has a disproportionate impact on women and children. …
After her first appointment in October, Quitno-Bolt submitted her documents, including her husband’s death certificate and their marriage license, to her local office thinking that was the end. But she heard nothing back for weeks. In November, she found out SSA had denied her benefits, saying she didn’t turn in her documents even though she had already received them back from the agency. …
For the past four months now, she’s called the agency almost weekly trying to sort through what went wrong. Typically, she waits on hold for 70 to 90 minutes. At one point, she was told her application was closed without a denial or approval. More recently, she was told her second application was being processed. She’s still in limbo.
“It’s been a mess, and I can’t even think anymore because I’m so worried about everything,” said Quitno-Bolt, 57, who is disabled and can’t work. Her husband, a factory worker, was the breadwinner. A GoFundMe set up by her daughter helped her scrape by, but she said the last of her savings will run out this month. …
13 comments:
I think the public understands we are overwhelmed and doesn't mind the wait. They know we are working as fast as they can, and likely deserve a raise and more telework.
This case will now be processed since SSA management does not appreciate any bad press. The bigger story remains on why the public accepts long lines in the airport or terrible service at SSA. Nothing will change until the public speaks up and demands that agencies are fully funded.
That is miserable. I hope her member of Congress reaches out and helps--it shouldn't require that, though.
A raise and telework? What planet are you living in?
Their member of Congress is only interested in getting re-elected.
Why didn’t the daughter become the representative payee instead of starting a GOFundMe request for her mom?
Where did you see that mom needs a payee? Sounds like the issue is that SSA is saying they don't have documentation that mom submitted and SSA mailed back. Probably someone didn't scan or profile it correctly in work track.
So, yes, not being able to get timely appointments along with lost or ignored paper-work are an ongoing, not new issue, but yes, it is getting worse.
But, from the article, it is not at all clear that Ms. Quitno-Bolt will be able to get any benefits immediately. There is no mention of minor children or an older disabled child. The daughter mentioned was presumably an adult. If there is an eligible child, then in most cases that should be payable quickly though often they are not.
The article says she is 57 and disabled but it does not make clear if she was ever found disabled by the SSA. If not, then she would have to file for DWB benefits which requires a new medical determination and we all know how long that could take. If she was found disabled already by SSA, then, yes she could get DWB benefits BUT only if what she would receive, about 70% of his benefit, is more than what she is already receiving on her own.
I hate when news articles tell only half a story and leave out important facts what would explain what a person might or might not actually receive.
This is a feature, not a bug. The only way to get the public onboard with privatization is to ensure things are so broken they DEMAND change.
There is nothing more valuable to a thief than a mark so desperate that they hand you their valuables without you even asking for them.
I’m working 50-55 hrs a week (OT)to feel somewhat accomplished, but being pulled to reception or phones all the time is hard to explain. ONLY the frontline people comprehend!
I have been working like a dog I would bet my salary MGT will find a way to give a 3 vs 5 in my review, somehow not being good enough!
I make sure the widows I take get paid!
If she is 57 it seems is a
Applying
for DWB not survivors.
Sounds about right
I agree. All of the story is never told. Charles should stop posting such garbage.
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