S.S.A. is sending me a password from Chicago?

[Steven45]

Hi

I was told by S.S.A. to apply for Disabled Adult Child's Benefits so I complied and my "application" was taken over the phone. At the conclusion of the phone call, the agent told me that I would be receiving a letter postmarked from Chicago in 4-5 weeks and that the letter would contain a password. I was to use my SS# and this password and log in to S.S.A.'s website to see whether or not I had been approved or denied.

Does this sound normal?. Has anyone else had to do this?. I've been on S.S.I. since I was 18 and am in my late 40's now and have NEVER had to go to their site and type in a password to get information - they would always just send letters/updates to me directly through the mail rather than making me access the information online using a password.

Thanks for any input on this as I really appreciate it and am becoming very confused!.

- Steve

[ForeverAmber]

Yep, it's legit. I received a "confirmation" number when I initially applied to use on the SSA website to track my denial or approval status. After I was approved, I received another temporary password to be able to check the details and benefit amount of my approval. The second password is only a temp and you pick your own when you log on to the site given in the letter.

[Steven45]

Thanks Amber!

So you just type in your password when they send it to you and it either say's "approved" or "denied"...no other information?. Does the letter itself contain anything else besides the password or does it go into some detail about your case?. Also, I'm just curious...why did this agent make such a big deal out of making sure I knew the letter was going to be postmarked from Chicago (she repeated it several times very clearly). Does the fact that it is coming from Chicago have some special significance?. Finally, do they send you a second/separate letter with a second password to get details such as dates, amounts, etc?.

Sorry for so many questions. This is so new to me!.

- Thanks, Steve

[roses4lace]

I do vaguely remember getting a password through the mail a couple of years ago so I could check my account online. That's how I found out they had my old bank account, which I corrected, but they didn't get the correction in time so sent my backpay to the wrong account and caused me some grief.

Perhaps the envelope isn't marked with a return address or any indication of what it is, so they are telling you how to recognize the envelope due to the postmark, so you won't throw it away.

[panpt]

Originally Posted by Steven45

Thanks Amber!

So you just type in your password when they send it to you and it either say's "approved" or "denied"...no other information?.

Here's how it goes. When you get your password from Chicago, go to the Social Security.gov homepage and click "Check the status of your application". It will take you to another page where you put in your SS number and that password. Then, it takes you to another page that tells the status of your application. Here is what mine is saying:

Application Status Information

The following statements are informational only. They are current as of today. You will receive the official notice of any decision made on your claim by U.S. mail.
As of today's date, a decision has not been made on your application.
The Disability Determination Service in your State is processing the medical portion of your claim.
If you need more information, you may call us toll-free at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.
If you are deaf or hard-of-hearing, call our toll-free TTY number 1-800-325-0778, Monday through Friday between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.

Then, there is a "Finish" button that you click and it will log you out. Unfortunately, mine has been saying that for some time, LOL.