Without in-person access to a nearby U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA) field office and a knowledgeable staff member, people —specifically older adults and those with disabilities — had a significant decrease in access to social security disability, retirement and survivor benefits and services.
These are primary findings from a new study from UNH’s Institute on Disability (IOD), which looked at rural residents’ access to social security benefits and information.
“Many of these rural residents were overwhelmed by what they called red tape and paperwork and when they had questions, concerns or issues about a benefit or even how to fill out an application, they often found it challenging to try to get information or help by email, phone or even through the postal service,” says Debra Brucker, research associate professor at the IOD.
