TUCSON, Ariz., Aug. 16 -- Rep. Ron Barber, D-Ariz. (8th CD), issued the following news release:

U.S. Rep. Ron Barber will speak at a free forum in Bisbee next week that will help educate constituents on the Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income programs.

"Applying for Social Security Disability benefits can be confusing," Barber said today. "This is an excellent opportunity for people who may be eligible for these benefits to hear from experts in the field."

Barber will make introductory remarks at the two-hour forum, to be held Wednesday, Aug. 22. It is cosponsored by Barber and the DIRECT Center for Independence Inc. (http://www.directilc.org/)

This will be Barber's seventh trip to Cochise County since he took office two months ago.

The event is focused on helping people whose health has worsened to a point where they can no longer work. It also is an opportunity to get accurate information about Social Security Disability and Supplemental Security Income benefits.

Topics to be covered include:

* How to apply for Social Security Disability and Supplemental Security Income benefits

* How to appeal a decision if benefits are denied, stopped or overpaid

* What your rights are when represented by an attorney, Legal Aid or any other advocate

* Once awarded benefits, whether you can work at any level, and if so, how that may affect your benefits

Those who plan to attend are asked to RSVP by calling constituent services representative Daniel Frey in Barber's Sierra Vista office at 520-459-3115 or emailing him at daniel.frey@mail.house.gov.

WHAT: U.S. Rep. Ron Barber hosts forum on Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income programs

WHEN: Noon - 2 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 22, 2012 (Barber will speak at the beginning of the event.)

WHERE: Cochise County Board of Supervisors Meeting Room, 1415 Melody Lane, Bisbee

Map (https://maps.google.com/maps?q=1415+West+Melody+Lane,+Bisbee,+AZ&hl=en&sll=37.6,-95.665&sspn=47.47571,59.677734&oq=1415+Melody+Lane,+Bisbee&hnear=1415+W+Melody+Ln,+Bisbee,+Arizona+85603&t=m&z=17)

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