Q: Mrs. K. of Ooltewah asks: “A friend of mine tells me that the Chattanooga Social Security office has a new telephone number. Does this mean I will be able to talk to someone in the office? In the past all I have gotten is a busy signal when I called so I would go to the office to get my questions answered.”
A: Mrs. K. you will be pleased to know the Chattanooga Social Security office did install a new telephone system that allows the office to take more phone calls at one time. The new phone system also came with a toll-free telephone number 1-866-964-0029, which allows customers living in and outside Hamilton County to be able to call the office without cost. Of course, in addition to the telephone, our Web site www.socialse curity.gov contains a wealth of information and features and is available 24 hours a day.
Q: “My brother had an accident at work last year and is now receiving Social Security disability benefits for himself, his wife, and daughter. Before his accident, he helped support another daughter he had by a woman he never married. Is the second child entitled to some benefits as well?”
A: Even though your brother wasn’t married to the second child’s mother, the child may qualify for Social Security benefits. Someone should file an application on the child’s behalf. If she is found to be eligible, both children would receive equal benefits. Learn more by reading our online publication, Disability Benefits, at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10029.html.
Q: “I have an appointment to apply for Supplemental Security Income (SSI). What kind of information will I need to take with me?”