Here is something else from Facebook. It's a conversation with a Social Security rep on the phone. This is an example of what the "Department of Government Efficiency" has wrought. Doesn't sound efficient to me....
--Kim
Yeah so much for government efficiency. Warning: This story is infuriating.
"This is not my normal type of post - consider it a PSA. It will affect you or someone you know. If you wish to post snarky comments - don't. Come… tell me to my face.
It is a lot to read & I hope you can feel my agitation with this Gordian knot of a mess. The Funeral director & estate attorney assured me Social Security Survivor Benefits would take around 9-12 weeks, Almost 4 months later ….
Phoned SSA March 14th & left a call back number - wait time to speak with an agent was 120 minutes. A rep called at 9pm that night. This was the mind-numbing conversation:
Agent - what may I assist you with?
Me - Have you received the notice that my husband passed?
Agent - yes & his own benefit was ceased.
Me - Thank you. I haven't received any information about the survivor's benefit.
A - You won't, do you wish to apply?
Me - Apply? This… is.. supposed to be automatic.
A - It must be applied for now. And, why was there such a large gap in your employment history?
Me - I was a stay at home mom for 14 years.
A - Didn't you realize that you would receive less benefits? This is a very large gap.
Me - Being a full time mother was by choice & best for our family.
A - What do you plan to do with this benefit if approved?
Me - Plan to do? Goodness… probably buy something frivolous like groceries or pay bills.
A - You will still need to be approved and …
Me - I interrupt her. 'Excuse me .. let's start over. What do you mean be approved? I am trying to settle details. Garry's benefit was twice what mine is.
A - She took a deep breath before speaking in a calmer voice. Mrs. Crist - this year has brought sweeping changes to our agency due to federal commands. Many procedures have changed. Survivor benefits must now be applied for. Each applicant must be also accepted before receiving any funds.
Me - How are surviving spouses supposed to know this?
A - When they phone to ask why they aren't receiving them.
Me - So - now that I have applied… Am I approved?
A - Mrs. Crist… this was an information gathering call. Your appointment to speak with the next agent will be to apply. Please be available April 28 @1pm to take the call. Several documents will be required,
Me - Another agent? What documents? That's 5 weeks away.
A - You will need the death certificate, wedding license & proof that you were married at time of death.
Me - I have the certificate & license. Wait - what? What do you mean by proof? We were married for 45 years! I was his full time caregiver! There was no divorce! What type of proof?
A - I'm sorry, I'm not at liberty to say. The agent that you speak with on April 28th will give you the details.
Me - Will I be able to scan & upload these documents ahead of time for this agent?
A - No. The agent will then schedule an in-person appointment to furnish for the next step. You also must access your online account to follow the process. An activation code will be mailed to you in a few weeks.
Me - Another appointment? I already have an account. Why do I need a code to access my own account?
A - Procedural changes. Instructions will be mailed to you. As for the acceptance… After all documents have been verified they will be reviewed. All reviews are greatly delayed due to federal constraints.
Me - Well, this is not what I expected. Good night.
If you are still reading - I hope you are angry. Anyone who has just lost a spouse does not need to deal with more hurdles. This is the result of the 'new & improved' constraints that the government has placed upon SSA. Don't blame the SSA. This was not their previous procedure. I can live without these benefits - but, many desperately need them for food, meds, etc. I am able to use technology & travel to local offices, many can't. This current agent/document juggling act caused by 'those in charge' has been constructed with the hope that individuals will give up & forget about it.
I am not one of them.
And - by the way… hope no one in your family needs to file for SS disability. Applications now require 200-230 days before an agent will review. Don't believe me? Call 800-772-1213 & listen to the message. Get angry."
- LaDonna Crist
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