Social Security Crisis Plan
This is Centered America’s Social Security Crisis Plan—a full emergency guide to confirming your Social Security or SSI/SSDI benefits, what to do if they’re delayed, who to call, how to get help, and how to fight back. We’ve read your comments. We’ve heard your stories. We’re not staying quiet. We’re not offering thoughts and prayers—we’re Centered America, a nonprofit fighting to reform the Democratic Party’s messaging, push back against Trump’s agenda, and give you real tools to survive what’s coming.
If you find this helpful, we invite you to become a paid subscriber to keep our work going. It helps us immensely, however we know how tight money can be right now, and there’s no pressure—just being here matters!
SOCIAL SECURITY CRISIS PLAN
1. Social Security Administration (SSA) Resources
National SSA Contact:
Toll-Free: 1-800-772-1213
TTY: 1-800-325-0778
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Website: www.ssa.gov
Local SSA Offices:
To locate the nearest SSA office, use the SSA Office Locator: www.ssa.gov/locator
2. Medicaid Resources by State
Medicaid programs are administered at the state level, with unique contact information and procedures.
Find Medicaid Contact Information for All 50 States here: https://www.medicaid.gov/about-us/contact-us
3. Additional Resources
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS):
Toll-Free: 1-800-633-4227
TTY: 1-877-486-2048
Website: www.cms.gov
Healthcare.gov Contact Center:
Toll-Free: 1-800-318-2596
TTY: 1-855-889-4325
Website: www.healthcare.gov
4. Steps to Protect and Manage Your Benefits
Verify Your Benefits
Log in or create your SSA account at ssa.gov/myaccount.
All new users must now sign in with Login.gov or ID.me. If you created an account before September 18, 2021, you’ll be prompted to upgrade your login credentials.
Once logged in, click “Get Benefit Verification Letter” to confirm your benefits. Print or download this immediately in case your benefits are questioned.
Confirm Payment Schedules
Check the 2025 Social Security Payment Calendar to see when your check should arrive.
Stay Informed About Changes
SSA Newsroom: ssa.gov/news
Medicaid Federal Policy Updates: medicaid.gov/federal-policy-guidance
Advocacy & Protection
Join the National Committee to Preserve Social Security & Medicare
Connect to your local Area Agency on Aging for advocacy support.
5. Sample Call Scripts
For SSA:
“Hi, my name is ____. I’m calling because I rely on SSI/SSDI and need to confirm that my benefit will arrive on time. Can you check my status?”
For State Reps:
“Hi, I’m a constituent, and I’m concerned about the impact of SSA delays and staff cuts. I need to know what you’re doing to protect my Social Security and Medicaid benefits.”
6. What To Do If Your Check Is Delayed
Call SSA at 1-800-772-1213 with your claim number.
File a complaint with your congressional representative’s office (they have SSA liaisons).
If at risk of eviction, dial 2-1-1 for emergency assistance in your area.
7. Appeal and Reapply Templates
SSA Appeal Form (SSA-561-U2): Download here
Template Appeal Language:
“I am appealing the decision to terminate/reduce my benefits. This decision has put me at immediate risk of homelessness/medical crisis and was made in error or without all information considered.”
8. Legal Assistance
If you’re denied benefits, experiencing delays, or reductions, you have the right to appeal—and you don’t have to face it alone.
Find Legal Aid in Your State:
Visit LawHelp.org and click your state for free or low-cost legal help.
National Resources:
Legal Services Corporation (LSC): www.lsc.gov—Federal nonprofit providing legal aid in all 50 states.
National Organization of Social Security Claimants' Representatives (NOSSCR): nosscr.org—Find attorneys specialized in SSI/SSDI cases.
9. Mutual Aid and Community Support Networks
If you're in crisis—food, housing, transportation, or paperwork assistance—local help matters.
Mutual Aid Networks by State: mutualaidhub.org. You can also search “[Your City] + mutual aid” on Google or Facebook.
United Way 211: Dial 2-1-1 or visit 211.org for emergency support: rent, utilities, food, and healthcare.
10. Clinics and Nonprofits That Help with Paperwork
Community health clinics, senior centers, and nonprofits often provide free assistance completing Social Security or Medicaid paperwork.
Search Near You: FindHelp.org—type “benefits assistance” and your ZIP code.
For Older Adults:
Eldercare Locator: 1-800-677-1116 connects you specifically with local older adult services.
11. Alerts & News About Social Security/Medicaid Changes
Stay informed and avoid surprises.
SSA Newsroom: ssa.gov/news
Medicaid Policy Updates: medicaid.gov/federal-policy-guidance
12. Emergency Food, Housing, and Utility Help
If you're awaiting benefits and need immediate support:
Food Banks: FeedingAmerica.org/find-your-local-foodbank
Rental & Utility Assistance: Visit Benefits.gov → click “Housing and Public Utilities” → select your state.
HUD Resource Finder: hud.gov/findshelter
13. Voter Registration & Petitions to Protect Benefits
Your benefits are impacted by political choices. Your voice counts.
Register to Vote: nass.org/Can-I-Vote
Write Your Lawmakers to Demand:
No cuts to Social Security or Medicaid
Proper funding for SSA offices and staff
Full protection for disabled and low-income Americans
14. Mental Health Support
We know this stress can feel overwhelming. You're not alone.
Dial 988: Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Open Path Collective: openpathcollective.org—Low-cost therapy nationwide
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI):
HelpLine: 1-800-950-NAMI
Website: nami.org
15. Join Centered America's Weekly Live Briefings
Every Tuesday and Thursday @ 8 PM EST
We walk through benefit changes in real-time
Answer your specific questions
Provide direct support and organizing opportunities
OUR MISSION AT CENTERED AMERICA:
Centered America is a non-profit organization created to reform the Democratic Party’s messaging in a way that reconnects with communities and voters across the aisle. Now more than ever, people feel underrepresented by the Democratic Party. We have to change that. We have to step out of our comfort zones to educate, empathize, and open our arms to everyday Americans—not by backing down from our values, but by finding common ground to bring all people into the conversation and fight back against Donald Trump. We care about our democratic principles and we are defending them.
Contact Us
Email us at info@centeredamerica.org.
We all have a job to do, and you can contribute by spreading our message and sharing our content. Consider becoming a free or paid subscriber to help fund our mission!
Thank you,
Centered America Team
Amazing resource list. Well done.
This is so helpful!! I screenshot it and saved it. Thank you!