Many retirees rely on Social Security—but confusion and delays can cost them
Many Black retirees rely on Social Security as a primary source of income, but experts say confusion about when to claim benefits and missing documentation can lead to reduced payments or delays. The post Many retirees rely on Social Security—but confusion and delays can cost them appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.
Black News 
By Victoria Mejicanos
AFRO Staff Writer
vmejicanos@afro.com
According to organizations like the NAACP and the Center on Budget and and Policy Priorities, Social Security benefits are a critical part of income for retirees. Social Security funds can be used to address housing, healthcare and food. But experts say issues such as lack of clear guidance on when to claim benefits or missing paperwork can lead to a loss of income for many seniors when they can least afford it.
“Because these benefits are so important, it is essential that people understand their rights within the Social Security system,” Cornelia Bright Gordon, director of advocacy for administrative law at Maryland Legal Aid, wrote to the AFRO in a statement.
Understanding when and how to claim benefits is one of the most common challenges older adults face.
“Some people are not aware of the various options that they have—that’s a challenge people do experience,” said Pamela Massie, the State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) program manager at the Baltimore City Health Department. “I’ve seen some people say, ‘If I had known…if somebody had broken things down to me like that, then I would have operated differently.’”
Massie noted that every person’s situation is unique, but that people often are unsure because they feel that they may need to claim earlier than retirement age, which is 67 for those born in 1960 or later.
According to Massie, those that retire early risk earning less on their monthly payments. For those that delay retirement, benefits may increase.
“Some people can’t afford to wait,” Massie said. However, she also noted that those who claim early can face a significant reduction to their monthly payments.
This can prove to be an especially difficult situation for Black Americans. According to a 2025 Retirement Confidence Survey by the Employee Benefit Research Institute, a nonpartisan organization that provides objective fact based research regarding employee benefits, Black retirees were more likely to retire earlier than planned and were more likely to have done so because of a health problem or disability.
Denials and delays and how to navigate them
According to a 2024 study from the Center for Retirement Research at Boston College, Black Americans get 19 percent less from Social Security during their retirement years than White retirees. To ensure that residents get the most benefit possible out of their retirement, Massie says it is best to have proper documentation such as a birth certificate, marriage and divorce paperwork, banking information as well as military service paperwork if applicable.
“If you do not have those things to submit when you’re applying, those documents can delay and hold off the process,” said Massie.
Although denial is not common according to Massie, Gordon explained what to do if it does occur.
“One of the most important things people should know is that a denial of benefits does not have to be the final decision,” wrote Gordon. “The Social Security Administration (SSA) has a formal appeals process, and many applicants who are initially denied benefits are later approved after submitting additional documentation. Individuals who receive a denial should carefully review the notice they receive and pay close attention to reconsideration or appeal deadlines, which are typically 60 days from the date of the decision.”
Gordon added that delays often happen because of administrative issues rather than actual ineligibility. Missing documentation, a change of address or a new phone number are examples of simple things that can lead to a delay in benefits if records are not properly updated.
“It is also important not to ignore mail from SSA,” Gordon wrote. “What appears to be a routine notice could contain important information, such as an overpayment notice with a fast-approaching appeal deadline. SSA letters often contain several pages, and individuals should keep all of them for their records.”
If someone receives a denial, experiences a significant delay in processing their application, or receives a notice they do not understand, that is often a good time to seek assistance from a legal services organization such as Maryland Legal Aid. Legal assistance can help individuals understand their rights, gather supporting documentation, and navigate the appeals process.
General advice
Both Massie and Gordon acknowledged that the system, however needed, can feel overwhelming.
“The Social Security system can feel complex and overwhelming, particularly for older adults who may also be managing vision challenges, health concerns, mobility issues, or financial stress. It is important for people to know that they do not have to navigate the process alone,” said Gordon. She encouraged people to reach out to legal services organizations, community advocates, and trusted community partners.
Massie emphasized that getting accurate information early can make a significant difference.
“If you’re totally unsure, unclear, and you want to make sure you get the right information— and not from family and friends because everybody’s situation is different, my advice would be to call your local SHIP office,” Massie said.
Additional Resources
- The State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) in Baltimore City, contact number: 410-396-2273, ask for the SHIP Program.
- General contact number for SHIP offices in Maryland: 410-767-1100 or 1-800-243-343425
- Maryland Legal Aid (main intake number) (888) 465-2468
- Local Social Security Office Locator https://www.ssa.gov/locator
The post Many retirees rely on Social Security—but confusion and delays can cost them appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.
