Social Security Retirement & Survivors Benefits
Below you will find links to resources and information about Social Security benefits. Additionally, you can view details on how to seek assistance or aid from a lawyer, if needed. Some areas of the state have more information than others. You may wish to look at information from other areas as well as your own.
National
What You Need To Know When You Get Retirement or Survivors Benefits
This resource from the Social Security Administration explains your rights and responsibilities when you recieve retirement or survivors benefits.
Retirement Planner: Getting Benefits While Working
Find out how you can receive Social Security retirement (or survivor) benefits while you continue to work.
How to Cope with Social Security Overpayments
It's possible that the Social Security Administration may accidentally overpay you. If you receive a Notice of Overpayment, this resource from Pine Tree Legal Assistance can help you figure out what to do.
Social Security Survivors Planner
Use this resource from the SSA to learn what to do if you are the survivor (spouse, parent, child) of a worker who dies.
This resource from the SSA will help you plan for the future so your family can receive benefits if you have earned enough Social Security credits through your work..
Prepaid Debit Cards for Social Security and SSI Benefits
This guide from the National Consumer Law Center provides valuable information about using prepaid cards for Social Security and SSI benefits.
East Tennessee
Identity Theft and Your Social Security Number
This resource from Legal Aid of East Tennessee provides tips on how to protect yourself from identify theft . It will also tell you what to do if you find that someone has stolen your Social Security number.
Middle Tennessee
Extra Help For Children With Extra Needs
If your child is disabled, this guide from Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee and the Cumberlands can help you figure out if you qualify for Supplemental Security Income payments.
Forms
Standard Court Forms for all of Tennessee
This resource contains standard court forms that are approved for all counties of Tennessee. If you need help filing one of these forms, you can ask a lawyer in your area.
Legal Advice:
If you are in Tennessee, the website, Free Legal Answers, allows you to ask a lawyer for help with a legal issue at no cost. It is fast and easy, and all you need is a computer. This is a FREE service for people who cannot afford a lawyer.
How it works:
- You will answer a few questions to see if you qualify for their service. If you qualify, you will have the option to create an account.
- If you are eligible, you can ask their volunteer attorneys a non-criminal legal question.
- Once your question receives a response, you will get an email. You will need to sign into the website to read your response and ask any additional questions.
Visit https://tn.freelegalanswers.org/ to sign up.
Find Representation:
The Statewide Directory provides information regarding Legal Aid Attorneys and other agencies by county in Tennessee.
Still need assistance? Please speak to a librarian at your local library – they may have additional resources to assist you.