An Introduction to Social Security Social Security is a monthly benefit that will only be applicable to your client who is homeless, who is age 62 or older, and has paid in to Social Security for at least 10 years.

Tips:

> Use the Eligibility Tool for Your Client
> Imprisonment Will Lead to Suspension of Benefits
> Survivor Benefits are Available

For more detailed information on Social Security, scroll down.

Social Security

Use the Eligibility Tool for Your Clients
You can find out if your clients are eligible for any Social Security benefits by using the Benefit Eligibility Screening Tool (BEST), a tool available on the Social Security Administration's Web site at http://best.ssa.gov/index.cfm.

Imprisonment Will Lead to Suspension of Benefits
If your client was receiving Social Security benefits prior to being imprisoned, or if your client is confined in a jail, prison, or other penal institution for more than 30 continuous days due to conviction of a crime, his/her benefits will be suspended. This means your client will not receive benefits during his/her time of imprisonment, but benefits will be restored after release from prison.

Survivor Benefits are Available
Your client may be eligible for a survivor's benefit if he/she was married to a working person who is now deceased. Other family members such as children may also qualify on someone else's record. If you think that your client may be eligible, you should contact the local Social Security office for more information. To find your local Social Security office, visit http://s3abaca.ssa.gov/pro/fol/fol-home.html

> More information on Social Security:

Benefits Your Client May Receive
What Makes Your Client Eligible
What Your Client Needs to Apply for Benefits
If Your Client is an Immigrant
Contact Information
Sample Applications
Training Materials for Case Managers
Social Security Program Q & A
Social Security Fact Sheet