Social Security Basics – March 17, 2023 (ZOOM meeting)

Presented by:

Tracee L. Garner, Outreach Coordinator / Peer counselor, ENDependence Center of Northern Virginia  (ECNV)

Ashley Welch, Client Manager, The Arc of Northern Virginia 

Which benefits can help my loved one with disabilities? When and how do I start the application process? What do I do if my application is denied? How do I protect the benefits after I secure them?

Government programs can help pay for the needs of adults with disabilities. The challenge is knowing which benefits to apply for, when to apply and how to apply.

Join our online event to get information for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance, Retirement, Survivorship and Disabled Adult Child (SSDI).

Arm yourself with the futures planning you need!

Presented by:

Tracee L. Garner, Outreach Coordinator / Peer counselor, ENDependence Center of Northern Virginia  (ECNV

Tracee L. Garner holds a BS in Communications from ODU and enjoys assisting people with disabilities to uncover their abilities while providing information, resource and demonstrating what it takes to become strong self-advocates, and live a life of independence. Tracee has been with ECNV for 14 years as a Peer Counselor and Outreach Coordinator, working primarily to serve all of Northern Virginia residents with a focus on the counties of Loudoun and Fairfax. Tracee enjoys speaking and writing, is a published author in her spare time of many books of fiction and nonfiction, and is the resident guru for topics around Social Security Benefits, transit and so much more.

Ashley Welch, Client Manager, The Arc of Northern Virginia

Ashley works alongside Tia, focusing one-on-one with families and individuals to establish SNTs and plan for the future. She enjoys helping them navigate disability services to achieve their future goals. Ashley has over ten years of experience working with individuals with disabilities and their families. She is certified in benefits counseling since 2016. Previously, she worked with an employment and day support services provider where she assisted students transitioning out of the school system. She also oversaw the agency’s independent supported employment program. Ashley holds a Master’s Degree in Public Anthropology from American University in Washington, DC.