The people's voice of reason
The people's voice of reason
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As baby boomers age, the majority want to continue living independently in their homes, otherwise known as aging in place. About 78% of homeowners over the age of 60 prefer this option over moving into a senior or assisted-living facility, according to a 2024 survey from real estate company Redfin. Many Americans want to age in place to preserve a sense of independence, remain connected to existing communities, and avoid the high cost of long-term care. The median monthly cost of an...
However many reasons we have for loving our grandparents, scammers have a whole lot more. That's why fraudsters and hackers are increasingly relentless in targeting a demographic that is often trusting of financial institutions, perhaps too embarrassed to report a loss and at a disadvantage where digital technology is concerned. Seniors offer an easy jackpot for scammers, to the tune of $3 billion in losses annually. They are often homeowners, sitting on top of savings, and in good credit....
The United States is facing a caregiving crisis. As America's population ages and adults are staying active for longer, many are choosing to live in assisted-living facilities. Assisted-living facilities offer 24-hour care but are less hands-on than nursing homes. They can offer the best of both worlds for a generation that values independence. Still, low staffing levels are causing facilities to raise prices and, in some cases, close their doors entirely, exacerbating an already severe care gap...
The explosive growth in America's senior population reflects increased longevity and health. Driven by baby boomers who began hitting senior status in 2011, Census Bureau data showed the 65 and over demographic grew by nearly 40% from 2010 to 2020. That's compared to an overall population growth of just 7.4%, the most growth seniors have seen in a century. If the trend continues, Americans aged 65 and over will comprise 22% of the population by 2040. The average life expectancy for a 65-year-old...
Every July 4, we celebrate our nation’s independence. For nearly 90 years, our programs have helped create financial independence for millions of hardworking people. We have useful online resources like the Social Security Statement (Statement) and our benefits estimator tool that helps people not yet receiving benefits. The Statement shows the benefits that you and your family may be eligible for and provides personalized fact sheets tailored to your age and earnings situation. The benefits e...
The American population is aging—and much-needed mental health care providers are in short supply. Earlier this year, the federal government rolled out new rules to help older Americans access more services and give health care professionals the flexibility to help those in their community with the greatest needs. But better health care access only works if the people poised to benefit understand the new rules. It's not unusual for Medicare patients to need to advocate for themselves in h...
As baby boomers age, the majority want to continue living independently in their homes, otherwise known as aging in place. About 78% of homeowners over the age of 60 prefer this option over moving into a senior or assisted-living facility, according to a 2024 survey from real estate company Redfin. Many Americans want to age in place to preserve a sense of independence, remain connected to existing communities, and avoid the high cost of long-term care. The median monthly cost of an...
SOCIAL SECURITY OMITS FOOD FROM IN-KIND SUPPORT AND MAINTENANCE CALCULATIONS Supplement Security Income (SSI) provides monthly payments to adults and children with a disability or blindness. It also provides monthly payments to adults aged 65 and older, who have limited income and resources. SSI benefits help pay for basic needs like rent, food, clothing, and medicine. People applying for and receiving SSI must meet eligibility requirements, including income and resource limits. Under our...
National Mobility Month was established by the National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association (NMEDA). National Mobility Awareness Month was created to recognize the power of mobility accessibility to enhance lives and improve health and care. Those with mobility-impacting disabilities or diagnoses still play large roles in our society as workers, caregivers, neighbors, family members, and as consumers within the community. Take the time to see the world from their perspective. What to us is...
We celebrate Financial Literacy Month (FLM) every April to promote financial education and well-being in the United States. FLM also serves as a reminder that Social Security is a vital part of any financial plan. Our online tools are here to help you understand your potential Social Security benefits and how they fit into your financial future. You should periodically review your Social Security Statement (Statement) using your personal my Social Security account at www.ssa.gov/myaccount. Your...
Did you join us for Slam the Scam Day in March? If so, you know how important it is to raise awareness about government imposter scams. That’s why we want you to have all the information you need to protect yourself. Check out our top 5 scam awareness articles below: 1. We work with our Office of the Inspector General (OIG) to protect you from scams that use Social Security as bait. In How We Protect You from Misleading Advertising and Communications, we detail what to do if you receive a s...
Do you know how to spot a government imposter scam? We continue to raise public awareness about Social Security-related and other government imposter scams during the fifth annual “Slam the Scam” Day on March 7, 2024. Knowing how to identify potential scammers will help safeguard your personal information. There are common elements to many scams. Scammers often take advantage of fears and threaten you with arrest or legal action. Scammers also pretend to be Social Security or other gov...
Fall-related injuries are common among senior citizens—but they don't have to be. Though an older adult visits an emergency facility in the U.S. every 11 seconds to be treated for these injuries, according to the National Council on Aging, there are tangible steps that can be taken to mitigate the risk of falling. In 2021, nearly 7 million people were injured from unintentional falls, about 2 in 5 (41%) of whom were 65 or older, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Per th...
DO YOU NEED A NEW OR REPLACEMENT SOCIAL SECURITY CARD? WE’RE MAKING IT EASIER! By Kylle’ D. McKinney Alabama Social Security Public Affairs Specialist If you need a new or replacement Social Security card, we’ve got great news! You may be able to complete, or at least start, your application on our website – and, if necessary, use our online scheduling tool to book an appointment at a local office. Start your application Do you need to apply for a Social Security number (SSN) and card? You can...
Social Security programs touch the lives of more than 71 million people. We work hard to ensure critical benefits and other services are accessible to you. Consider the start of the new year as an opportunity for you to engage with Social Security online. This begins with creating your free and secure personal my Social Security account at www.ssa.gov/myaccount. Once you create an account, you can: • Apply for retirement, spouses, or disability benefits. • Apply for Medicare. • Check your appli...
That’s the question we’re answering in the latest episode of our audio series, SSA Talks. Our Chief Actuary Steve Goss sheds light on our trust funds and how they relate to your future benefits. The 12-minute episode includes a fact sheet and transcript. The fact sheet provides more information about the trust funds and how much protection our benefits offer. We invite you to visit our SSA Talks page at www.ssa.gov/news/audio-series. html to listen and subscribe to receive alerts about fut...
AT HOME OR ON THE GO: SOCIAL SECURITY IS ONLINE When you retire, if you become disabled, or if someone you depend on dies— we are there when you need us. With your personal and secure my Social Security account, you can access your information, benefits, and important services from just about anywhere. Having a personal mySocial Security account allows you to: • Compare future benefit estimates for different dates or ages when you may want to begin receiving benefits. • Check the status of your...
HOW SSA.GOV HELPS YOU We’re excited to announce the addition of two helpful screening tools on SSA.gov! These tools are the Benefits Screener and the Card Replacement Screener. The Benefit Screener helps you determine your eligibility for benefits and the Card Replacement Screener helps you request a replacement Social Security card. Let’s go over how you can use these tools. Benefits Screener You can access the Benefits Screener tool at www.ssa.gov/prepare/check-eligibility-for-benefits to det...
ELDER ABUSE: COMBATING INJUSTICE: Elder abuse is the intentional mistreatment or harming of an older person. An older person is defined by the Social Security Act as someone over age 60. This abuse takes many forms – including physical, emotional, and sexual harm, neglect, and financial exploitation. More than 1 in 10 older adults experience some form of abuse each year. That number is likely much higher because elder abuse is often underreported– especially in underserved communities. Abu...
CHECK THE STATUS OF YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS CLAIM ONLINE If you applied for Social Security benefits, or have a pending reconsideration or hearing request, you can check the status online using your free personal my Social Security account. If you don’t have an account, you can create one at www.ssa.gov/myaccount to see the following information about your claim: • Date of filing. • Current claim location. • Scheduled hearing date and time. • Incomplete applications. • Servicing o...
Every July, we take pride in celebrating our nation’s independence. For nearly 90 years, our programs have helped provide financial independence to millions of hardworking people. We have useful online tools like the Social Security Statement (Statement) and our benefits estimator tool that help people not yet receiving benefits. The Statement shows the benefits that you and your family may be entitled to includes personalized fact sheets tailored to your age and earnings situation. The b...
SOCIAL SECURITY SUPPORTS TEACHERS ONLINE CAREER Well-informed instructors can have a powerful and positive influence on their students. That’s why we created an Educator Toolkit. It’s a shareable online resource for teachers to engage students and educate them on Social Security. The toolkit includes: Lesson plans with objectives. • Infographics and handouts for each lesson plan. • Links to Social Security webpages. •. Talking points. • Quiz questions and answers. You can access the toolkit at:...
Social Security works with the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) to protect you from scams that use Social Security as bait. Section 1140 of the Social Security Act allows OIG to impose severe penalties against anyone who engages in misleading Social Security-related advertising or imposter communications. You can review Section 1140 at www.ssa.gov/OP_Home/ssact/title11/1140.htm. For example, the OIG may impose a penalty against anyone who: • Mails misleading solicitations that appear to b...
HELP SOMEONE YOU LOVE APPLY FOR SOCIAL SECURITY AND MORE This Valentine’s Day, take time to remind your loved ones that Social Security helps people in all stages of life. We provide easy and convenient ways to learn about and apply for benefits. Using our online services, you can assist friends and family members to: 1. Apply for Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Check if the person you are helping qualifies for SSI – and also apply – at www.ssa.gov/ssi. 2. Apply for Social Security Disab...
HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM SOCIAL SECURITY The holiday season brings us feelings of warmth and joy. At Social Security, we want you to know we share the same joy when it comes to serving you, whether it be in person, by telephone, or online. Our online services are available to help you do business with us in an easy, convenient, and secure way. It all starts with a personal my Social Security account. More than 70 million people have signed up for their personal account to conduct their business...
