Know your rights and learn what you can do to help yourself
There are 16 resources
Special Alert
Did Social Security Stop Your Benefits Because You Had an Arrest Warrant? You may be able to start your benefits again. You may also be able to get thousands of dollars in back benefits. Read this document for more information.
(You must have Adobe Acrobat Reader on your computer to open this document. Scroll down to the bottom of the page and click on the Get Acrobat Reader icon to download.)
By: National Senior Citizens Law Center
Are you eligible for Social Security benefits? Can you apply online?
Find out if you are eligible for benefits, file for retirement, spouse's and disability benefits, get a benefit verification statement or request a replacement form SSA-1099.
By: Social Security Online
Social Security Application Online
(Separate Website)
You can apply for Social Security online at this website. You can also find contact information to apply for SSI or children's benefits.
By: Social Security Online
Don't Have a Bank Account? You Can Get Your Benefit Through the Direct Express Card
(Separate Website)
The Direct Express® card is a new debit card you can use to access your benefits. And you don?t need a bank account. Read this document for the following information:
What is the Direct Express® card?
Why should I sign up for the Direct Express® card?
When People Help You While You Wait for SSI
When you apply for SSI, it can take a long time before you get your first check. During this time, you have to find a way to get by and you may get gifts or loans from friends or family. Whether the help is a gift or loan can make a big difference in the amount of back SSI benefits you can get. Read this document for more information.
By: Legal Services Alabama
Protect Your Social Security and SSI
Creditors and other people with a judgment against you will often have the Sheriff serve papers on your bank. The papers tell the bank to use your account to pay the judgment. Answer five important questions in this document to see if you can protect your money.
By: Legal Services Alabama
SSI & Fleeing Felons
Can Fleeing Felons Receive SSI?
NO. Social Security started cutting fleeing felons off in 2000. This document provides more detailed information.
By: Legal Services Alabama
Information about Social Security and SSI Overpayments
Coping With SSI and Social Security Overpayments
If Social Security thinks you have gotten too much money in your social security or SSI check, they will send you a Notice of Overpayment. This document explains what you can do if this happens.
By: Legal Services Alabama
Requesting Reconsideration of Overpayment and Appealing
If you think SSA is wrong in its decision, file a request for reconsideration.
By: Legal Services Alabama
Requesting a Waiver of Overpayment
If an SSI or Social Security overpayment was not your fault, SSA will not make you give the money back.
By: Legal Services Alabama
Making a Repayment Agreement for Overpayment
How to make a repayment agreement with SSA when there's been an overpayment
By: Legal Services Alabama
Social Security Information in Other Languages
(Separate Website)
This website links to Social Security information in 15 different languages. It includes Retirement and Survivor's Benefits, Disability Benefits, SSI and more. It also includes information on SSA's interpreter services. Read this in: Español By: Social Security Online
Tips for Dealing With Government Offices and Agencies
In order to receive certain benefits, you must give an agency some information about yourself. It is very important to give correct information to agencies. This document contains tips on how to do this.
By: Legal Services Alabama
Lifeline and Link-up Benefits for Alabama
Need help paying your phone bill? You can get help through Lifeline & Link-Up. If you get Medicaid, Food Stamps, SSI, TANF, LIHEAP or you have a Section 8 voucher, you may be eligible - read this information to find out.
By: Legal Services Alabama
Do You Qualify for Lifeline? You Can Get a FREE Cell Phone
If you qualify for the Lifeline program above, you can get a free cell phone through this benefit. Read this information to find out how.
By: Legal Services Alabama
Save Those Papers!
In order to protect your rights, you may need to use papers others have given you. This fact sheet tells you what papers you should save.
By: Legal Services Alabama
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AlabamaLegalHelp.org is a project of Legal Services Alabama and the Legal Services Corporation. It is produced in cooperation with Pro Bono Net and legal services organizations, bar associations, community organizations and government agencies throughout Alabama and the United States.