All,
Below, Ryann Hill, IARP's lobbyist has provided some messaging that we would like all members to send to their representatives. There are links to find your representative. Send this to both Senate and House. Also, this language is suggested. One thing you could add is disability and retirement applications. You can add your own touches and this is encouraged. But, the strong ask/encouragement is to at a minimum, send the message below.
Please see below instructions and language for our members to reach out to House Members and Senators urging them to protect access to Social Security benefits.
House of Representatives
Our members should follow the link below to identify their Member of Congress via their zip code. If they have two or more possible Members of Congress, they will be prompted to enter their full address.
Note that they will see an email icon under the picture of their Member of Congress. This icon will take them to the Member of Congress' website where they may have to take additional steps to verify their address before they are able to submit a message.
Senate
Our members should follow the link below and select their state from the drop down menu. The page will display both Senators with a link to "contact" the Senators below their photo. This link will take the member to the Senator's contact page where they may have to input more information to verify their address before submitting a message.
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Subject: Urgent: Protect Social Security Access for Your Constituents
Dear [Member of Congress],
As a constituent, I am deeply concerned about the Social Security Administration's (SSA) plans to close offices, reduce staff, and eliminate phone applications for disability benefits. SSA itself has acknowledged that ending phone applications will increase in-person office visits by 75,000 to 85,000-while simultaneously reducing the capacity to serve those in need.
With fewer offices, staff, and pathways to submit applications, individuals in our community will face significant delays in applying for and receiving disability benefits. This will lead to limited disability hearings and increased backlogs.
I urge you to oppose any changes that would make it more difficult for people to apply for Social Security benefits.
Thank you for your leadership and attention to this critical issue.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Contact Information]
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Michelle Aliff
Ph.D, CRC, CVE
michelle.aliff@gmail.com[Keller], TX United States
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