Social Security Problems? There’s help!

Mary Ann Schneider and Sparky are tireless advocates for unhoused individuals.

Mary Ann Schneider is passionate about many things, but nothing more than helping people navigate the Social Security system.

"The Social Security Administration makes it so difficult for people to get their benefits, especially if you can't read. But even if you can, it can be very difficult."

After retiring at age 60, Mary Ann spent the next 13 years volunteering at Emmaus House in Peoplestown. Emmaus House is a nonprofit that provides social services to communities south of downtown Atlanta.

"They were looking for someone to replace their current Social Security volunteer, who had been doing it for 30 years. She was just the most inspiring woman I've ever met. Her name is Dee Weems. “Miss Dee” knew everybody in Peoplestown."

Over the years, Mary Ann has witnessed the many barriers people face when trying to access Social Security benefits. She says the biggest obstacle is simply not knowing what help is available.

"If you're poor, and over 65 you may qualify for SSI- Aged, which is $994 a month plus Medicaid. If your retirement benefits are less than $994 a month, you should apply for SSI Aged. You'll receive two payments—one for your retirement and one for SSI. A lot of people are only getting less  because they don't know this.

It just requires a call to your local Social Security field office to request an appointment.

They'll schedule a phone appointment, so you don't even have to go into the office. You don't need a checking account—they can put your benefits on a Direct Express card. You need an address, a phone number, and you have to be 65 or older. You can even own a home and a car.

One man inherited $30,000 from his brother. When Social Security found out, he had to repay the SSI benefits he had received, and it took a long time to straighten everything out. That's not uncommon. If they continue receiving benefits they're no longer eligible for, they can end up owing Social Security a lot of money.

One big recommendation I have is to call your local Social Security Decatur field office at 877-626-9909 instead of the national hotline. The hold times are usually much shorter."

When Mary Ann first began this work, receiving Social Security benefits often meant someone could finally afford a room to rent. Today, with many boarding houses charging $750 or more a month, that's no longer the case. She referred one man she was working with to A Home For Everyone In DeKalb's Snapfinger House, where residents pay just 35% of their income toward housing. The cases that break her heart the most involve people waiting years for disability benefits.

"Seventy percent of the people I help are in their 50s. They're too young to qualify for SSI Aged, but they can't work anymore. They've spent their lives doing physically demanding jobs, and by their late 50s, their bodies just give out. They have no income, and it takes years to prove to Social Security that they're disabled."

Mary Ann began receiving referrals from hospital social workers. Some people even tell her they heard about her from someone they met in prison. It’s not easy to understand the different Social Security programs.

"SSI stands for Supplemental Security Income. If you're under 65 and haven't worked enough to earn disability credits, but you're medically disabled, you may qualify for SSI. It's very confusing. It took me years to figure it all out and keep it straight."

Mary Ann believes bureaucracy itself is often one of the greatest barriers for older adults.

"The Social Security office in downtown Atlanta can be pretty intimidating. When you go in, you have to remove your shoes, your belt, everything from your pockets—even your hair clips. You practically have to strip down just to get through the door. Some employees are very sympathetic and helpful, but some are not. It's scary. It's humiliating.

It makes you want to walk away and give up."

She says many people simply don't realize they may qualify for benefits.

"Most people have no idea. They think they had to work a certain number of years to qualify for retirement. Many women who stayed home or worked only part of their lives don't realize they may qualify for SSI Aged. I've even had Social Security employees tell me, 'I haven't had anyone ask for this.'

“I feel so fortunate to be able to help people. How many people get the chance to make such a material difference in someone's life? It can be life-changing. Sometimes I think about quitting, but then I wonder...what would people do?"

If you know of anyone who is having trouble with Social Security, you can reach out Mary Ann at maryann.schneider13@gmail.com or at 470-445-8579.