The Social Security Administration will attempt to ensure that all Social Security benefit checks are received by all beneficiaries affected by any potential disaster to strike residents of Illinois. Disaster victims seeking information on social security benefits or social security disability benefits may also call 1-800-772-1213 to use Social Security's automated phone services to get recorded information and conduct some services 24 hours per day. If the applicant is deaf or hard-of-hearing, call our toll-free TTY number, 1-800-325-0778, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Additionally, if the applicant is blind, over the age of 65, or disabled and cannot perform any kind of work, he or she should apply for benefits at the nearest Social Security office. An application can be started by calling the Social Security Administration's toll-free telephone number: 1-800-772-1213. An application can also be completed online at www.ssa.gov/onlineservices. Once the Social Security Administration has all the necessary documentation, such as proof of earnings and medical evidence of disability, it will send a written decision. If the applicant is denied but thinks that he or she is eligible, a request for reconsideration must be filed within 60 days of the date of the initial decision. If the application is denied again, a hearing should be requested and the local Illinois Legal Aid office should be contacted.

The applicant may also be eligible for other kinds of Social Security or SSI benefits, on his or her own account, or on the account of another if he or she wants to retire, or if he or she is an aged or disabled widow or widower, or is the dependent family member of a disabled, retired or deceased worker. If the applicant is eligible for any of these benefits, an application should be made to the Social Security Administration.

Social Security cards and payments

If you depend on social security benefits, you will need to contact the Social Security Administration to verify your social security number. It is not always necessary to have your social security card with you to verify your identity. There is a form that people must fill out with their background information.  If your social security check has been lost or damaged, go to or call your nearest Social Security Administration office. To find those locations, call 800-772-1213 or log onto www.ssa.gov. If you are deaf or hard of hearing, call our toll-free TTY number, 1- 800-325-0778, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. For more information, log onto www.ssa.qov/rep/acesscard.htm

Banking/FDIC Issues

Question 1: The local banks are not cashing my checks or letting me withdraw money from teller stations; what can I do?

If you have a bank account somewhere, the bank should cash your checks. If you do not, they will not unless a special arrangement exists.

Question 2: My direct deposit is not showing up in my account and I need money. Is there somebody who can help me clear this up with the bank?

Sometimes there are delays in the processing of transactions, including direct deposits, as banks activate backup plans to deal with the disaster. If any delays exist, they should be rectified soon. You should talk to your bank directly about the problem. You may also want to contact the individual or company that originated the deposit to see if they have any information about the status of your deposit.

Question 3: If my ATM card does not work, what should I do?

If your ATM card will not work, you should contact your bank directly. It may be that your bank's verification system is not working. You may consider cashing a check or using a credit card. If you cannot contact your bank, you should contact one of the emergency service organizations, such as FEMA or the Red Cross.

Question 4: I am no longer working due to the disaster and do not have the income to live on and meet my payments. If I miss some loan payments, how will this affect my credit? Will I be charged late fees?

You should talk to your bank directly and see if it may be willing to (i) allow some loan payments to be skipped without it counting against your credit history; (ii) extend the terms of your loan; and/or (iii) restructure loans to take into account your new circumstances. Before skipping payments, contact your bank.

Question 5: Where can I find a list of banks that are working with displaced people?

The FDIC is not currently maintaining a list of banks working with displaced people. You can contact your bank directly to see if it has adopted a policy for assisting displaced people.

Question 6: What about the contents of my safe deposit box? Does FDIC insurance cover safe deposit boxes?

Deposit insurance does not cover safe deposit contents. Most safe deposits are held in the bank's vault, however, which are fireproof and waterproof. Contact your bank branch where your box was located to determine the condition of your box.

Question 7: How will I get my Social Security check?

Your social security check should still be going to your account at your local bank. If there have been any disruptions, you should contact your bank or the Social Security Administration directly. To get your social security check if you have not been receiving direct deposit, go to the nearest office of the Social Security Administration which can be located by calling 1-800-772-1213.

Question 8: I am worried about identity theft since either my home was severely damaged during the disaster or I am not sure where my belongings are at the moment.

You may place a fraud alert on your account by calling any one of the three main nationwide reporting companies at the numbers listed below. The alert tells creditors to follow certain procedures before they open new accounts in your name or make changes to your existing accounts.

    Equifax: 1-800-525-6285

    Experian: 1-888-EXPERIAN (397-3742)
   
    TransUnion: 1-800-680-7289

Question 9:  What happens if my bank has lost my records?

Banks are required to have extensive contingency plans for all types of disruptions to operations including natural disasters. Banks have backup systems of records and other built-in duplications that are housed in safe locations so that financial records can be reconstructed and restored.

Question 10:  If my local bank was destroyed, is my money still insured?

Yes, your money is still insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). Deposits with a FDIC insured bank or savings institution will continue to be protected up to $100,000. However, you should keep any financial records that you have in order to help reconstruct your accounts.

To download the full Disaster Legal Services Manual, please click here.