Research Finds Rural Americans Carry Heavy Burden Accessing Social Security Benefits and Information_188体育app_188体育在线-平台官网

Robbin Ray ’82
Thu, 27 Mar 2025 11:45 -0400

DURHAM, N.H.—Research out of the University of New Hampshire’s Institute on Disability found that people who didn’t have in-person access to a nearby U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA) field office—specifically older adults and those with disabilities—and a knowledgeable staff member to help and talk through any issues had a significant decrease in access to social security disability, retirement and survivor benefits and services.
“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,” said Debra Brucker, research associate...