Agency enhances online platform to expand service for disability casesBaltimore, MD – The Social Security Administration (SSA) today announced major enhancements to my Social Security, expanding self-service options and the notices available to individuals navigating the disability claims and appeals process. The new tools will provide individuals with greater visibility, faster access to information, and more efficient case processing throughout the lifecycle of a disability claim. “Our digital-first approach to service is now extending to disability through the Claim Status Tracker, expansion of digital notices, and online document submission, enabling SSA to deliver better outcomes for the American people,” said Commissioner Frank J. Bisignano. “By making more tools available online, we are empowering claimants to stay informed and manage their Social Security benefits with greater ease and confidence.” “These digital tools will streamline operations and empower claimants to stay informed and promptly respond to important developments throughout the hearing process, eliminating the need for hearing offices to make outbound calls and instead, focus on reviewing cases in a timely manner,” said Chief of Disability Adjudication Jay Ortis. Enhancements to my Social Security Submit Disability Adjudication Forms Online: Individuals can now complete and submit disability adjudication forms directly through their personal my Social Security account, including:
Online submission helps ensure adjudicators receive information quickly and supports more efficient case processing. Track Disability Claim Status Online: Individuals with a pending disability claim, appeal, or recently adjudicated claim can now view the status of their case online at the Hearings and Appeals levels. The Claim Status Tracker provides real-time updates, processing time estimates, and key milestones throughout each level of adjudication. Features include:
Access Proffer Letters Securely: Individuals can securely access proffer letters in the my Social Security Message Center. A proffer letter is a notice sent when new evidence is added to a case after a hearing, allowing claimants to review and respond before a decision is made. Access 26 Additional Social Security Notices in my Social Security Message Center: Individuals can view electronic copies of their hearing-related notices by logging into their personal account. The following notices are now available for digital release to accountholders:
Claimants may opt to receive email or text notifications when new documents are available. Paper notices will continue to be mailed to claimants and their appointed representatives. This enhancement supports faster case processing and timely communications. SSA continues to increase the functionality of my Social Security to ensure that the more than 100 million Americans with accounts have a seamless experience when accessing their personal information. With an account, individuals have 24/7 access to their personalized retirement benefits and 1099 forms, can receive tailored notifications, request a replacement card, manage benefits or estimate future benefits, request replacement documents, check the status of pending applications, and conduct other services anytime, anywhere, without needing to visit an office or wait on the phone. Visit www.ssa.gov/myaccount to create a personal account. For more information about Social Security’s services, visit www.ssa.gov. ### For more Social Security news, follow the agency on X @SocialSecurity. |
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Social Security National Press Office Baltimore, MD |
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Mental Health Care Matters
Millions of people in the U.S. are affected by mental illness each year. It’s important to measure how common mental illness is so we can understand the physical, social and financial impact – and show that no one is alone. The numbers are also powerful tools for raising public awareness, stigma-busting and advocating for better health care.
In my business/profession, my team and I have seen more “mental” issues in the last year than ever before. Below are some fast facts:
- 1 in 5 U.S. adults experience mental illness each year
- 1 in 20 U.S. adults experience serious mental illness each year
- 1 in 6 U.S. youth aged 6-17 experience as mental health disorder each year
- 50% of all lifetime mental illness begins by age 14, and 75% by age 24
- Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death among people aged 10-14
- One in 5 adults experienced mental illness last year
More facts: Texas ranks 50 out of 50 states to access for care.
Texas operates 39 local mental health community health services. (In the San Antonio area, we recommend only 3 Behavior hospitals that do a good service helping those with behavioral issues). We have some excellent behavioral facilities outside of San Antonio.
One can be detained up to 48 hours after arriving unless a judge signs an order of “protective” custody. The most common mental illness in America is:
Anxiety disorder, major depression, & bi-polar
Question asked is: What can get you or a loved one sent to a mental hospital?
If high risk of serious harm to themselves or others and need to be in a place of safety.
One organization for those needing to reach out for help is NAMI – National Alliance on Mental Illness in San Antonio. NAMI provides free peer-led mental health education classes and support groups for individuals living with a mental health condition and their loved ones. NAMI provides advocacy, education, support and public awareness so that all individuals & families affected by mental illness can build better lives. NAMI offers FREE training of six core modules.
PTSD is also common among civilians not just our military men & women. For those who are veterans/spouses of a veteran, we have VA resources we can provide to those needing information and/or care.
This is a topic that needs to be addressed as it is a “crisis” in America.
Brenda Dever-Armstrong, CEO/Owner/CSA/Geriatric Advisor
The Next Horizon Seniors & Military (Veterans/Spouses) Advocate/Resources/Services/Locator (TX & nationwide)
Bus Ph: 210-275-3002
Email: deverb@att.net
www.nexthorizonlocators.com
Know The Signs of (Dementia/Alzheimer) and How To Communicate With Someone With Alzheimer Disease
This is an excellent article for those that may have a loved one with signs of Dementia/Alzheimer. Recently, my team and I are seeing more families with a loved one with these early signs.
Early Detection Matters:
(1) Memory changes that disrupt daily life (early signs forgetting recently learned information).
(2) Challenges in planning or solving problems (Difficulty concentrating or taking longer to complete a task).
(3) Difficulty completing familiar tasks (Complete daily tasks: driving familiar area, managing their budget)
(4) Confusion with time or place: (Cannot remember appointment(s) or location).
(5) New problems with words in speaking or writing (May have trouble following a conversation or joining in a conversation). They may repeat themselves. Trouble finding the right words.
(6) Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps (Placing things in unusual areas). Often accuse others of stealing and re-occurs more often.
(7) Decrease or poor judgement (Demonstrate unusual changes in judgement or decision-making).
(8) Withdraw from work or social activities (They remove themselves from family, hobbies or sports).
COMMUNICATING WITH AN ALZHEIMER/DEMENTIA PATIENT
HELPING THE PERSON COMMUNICATE: Helping someone communicate takes patience and understanding. Here are some Suggestions:
(1) Be calm and supportive. Maintain eye contact and use touch to reassure them. Show them you are listening.
(2) Show your interest in what he/she is saying or feeling.
(3) Pay attention to their voice/gestures for clues to what they are feeling. Sometimes, their emotions are more important than she they are trying to say.
(4) If you do not understand what they are trying to say, encourage them to point or gesture.
(5) If they cannot find a word, they may be less frustrated if you offer a guess.
(6) If they use the wrong word, and you know what they mean, supply the correct word. If this upsets them, do not correct future mistakes!
(7) Do not try to get them to explain as this may make them more upset. If possible just go along with what they are saying or agree with them – less agitated.
(8) Approach the person from the front but some may feel more comfortable if you talk from a handshake distance away.
(9) Keep confusion, distraction and noise to a minimum.
(10) Say your name first then address their name to get their attention.
(11) Speak slowly and distinctly. Use a lower voice pitch to convey sense of calm.
(12) Pay attention to your tone of voice. A person with Dementia/Alzheimer can sense your emotions. Limit the number of “don’t) and avoid harsh or direct orders.
(13) Confrontation may make the situation worse or get the person “worked up.”
Your observation and sensitivity will make a big difference. A hug or kiss can express affection. Remember: Treat the person with dignity and respect.
I suggest for any family or family member to go to www.alz.com. The Alzheimer Association provides so much information about the “Stages” of Alzheimer. They also list the Support Groups throughout Texas for family members to attend – FREE! The support from other families going through this disease with their loved ones can provide “insight” on how they have handled their “loved one” and also received support from outside Speakers.
We need to keep on Congress to provide more “funding” for research….there is NO CURE at this time. The information listed was provided by the Alzheimer Association whom I work very closely with for my updated training working with families who have a loved one with this terrible disease.
Brenda Dever-Armstrong, CEO/Owner/CSA/Geriatric Advisor
The Next Horizon Seniors & Military (Veterans/Spouses) Advocate/Resources/Services/Locator (TX & nationwide)
Bus Ph: 210-275-3002
Email: deverb@att.net
www.nexthorizonlocators.com
Difference Between a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) & a Caregiver
Working with so many seniors & military veterans one of many questions asked is: What is the Difference Between a CNA & a Caregiver. Below is a brief explanation:
Basic Duties: Certified nursing assistants, called CNAs and Caregivers are often employed in home health care. Both are eligible to work as aides in hospitals, clinics, and assisted living facilities and Personal Care Homes.
CNAs: A certified nursing assistant is formally trained within a State-Approved educational facility and trained with at least 75 hours. Candidates must take an examination of competency to earn the title of CNA. CAN candidates also commonly have a criminal background check before certification. Graduates of CNA programs can work in the facilities (mentioned above) and can help a patient with the following: Help with bathing, dressing, transferring from bed to walker or wheelchair and oversee the patient take their medication (CNAs cannot administer or fill the medication box but watch the patient take their required medication only). CNAs can also help with cooking, cleaning, laundry, running errands and drive the patient (in the patient’s vehicle) to doctor appointments.
CNAs are usually working with a Caregiver Agency that employees them to be assigned to a patient, either in facilities or in the clients’ personal home. CNAs, if working in a hospital, may have a different job title, such as technician. Duties can include taking vital signs, caring for catheters, transporting patients, or help with discharging patients.
Caregiver: Caregivers provide assistance to the disabled or an elderly with day-to-day functions as helping with laundry, driving, paying bills, help the patient to eat or prepare meals. Many Caregivers are asked by the family to be a “companion” only….meaning, be at their bedside and read to them, or write letters for the patient or just be there to chat. Some Caregivers are employed as live-in companion, with room & board provided by the patient or patient’s family. A Caregiver that is NOT providing medical services needs no formal state-license as they are being more of a companion.
*Information provided by:
Brenda Dever-Armstrong, CEO/Owner/CSA
The Next Horizon Seniors & Military Advocate/Resources/Locator