David W. Magann, P.A. Speaks On Social Security Administration’s Tribal Office Debut

The Office of Native American Partnerships (ONAP) came into being as part of a 2021 Executive Order (EO) 13985: “Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities.” The new office just recently appointed Richard Litsey, Esq., a member of the Muscogee Creek Nation, as the Director of ONAP.

The raison d’etre for ONAP is to centralize and elevate policies and programs relating to American Indians and Alaska Natives (AIAN). It is intended to broaden the agency’s relationship with Tribes while acting as the primary contact on Tribal affairs. The main focus of this office is to offer more representation and eliminate barriers for those who are eligible for benefits.

Social Security, indirectly and directly, is a part of every American’s life. About 176 million people work and pay Social Security taxes. About 65 million people receive monthly Social Security benefits. Social Security programs support Tribal communities through disability, retirement, and survivor benefits. Four Social Security credits are earned each year. A minimum of 40 credits, or 10 years of work, is required to qualify for retirement benefits.

ONAP aims to assist Tribal communities across the nation by improving services and actively engaging in consultations, seminars, and roundtable sessions with Federal and Tribal experts. 

The office also expects to coordinate internal agency programs and efforts, increase external programming awareness, recruit diverse candidates for positions in the Social Security Administration (SSA), and encourage collaboration and transparency across the board. Improving outreach to Tribal communities is also a major goal.

American Indians and Alaska Natives (AIAN) may be eligible for SSDI and SSI benefits by eligibility requirements. Status does not exclude an individual from obtaining Social Security Administration (SSA) disability benefits. More information about SSA’s AIAN services can be found HERE.

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