The people's voice of reason
The people's voice of reason
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Social Security Administration policy updates that expand access to Supplemental Security Income (SSI) in line with the law went into effect on September 30, 2024. The agency no longer includes food in In-Kind Support and Maintenance (ISM) calculations, has expanded its rental subsidy policy exception, and has expanded the definition of a public assistance household. "These changes will help more people access crucial SSI benefits," said Martin O'Malley, Commissioner of Social Security. "By...
For nearly 90 years, Social Security’s programs and services have been a lifeline to people throughout the United States, including the Hispanic community. Our retirement, disability, and survivors benefits are just as important for Hispanics. Our Spanish-language website, Seguro Social at www.ssa.gov/espanol, provides information for those whose primary language is Spanish. People can learn – in their preferred language – how to get a new or replacement Social Security card, plan for retir...
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...
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...
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...
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...
You can apply for Medicare online even if you are not ready to start your retirement benefits. Applying online is quick and easy. There are no forms to sign, and we usually do not require additional documentation. We’ll process your application and contact you if we need more information. Knowing when to apply for Medicare is very important! You must apply during your limited initial enrollment period. If you’re eligible for Medicare at age 65, your initial enrollment period begins three mon...
Defend Against SCAMMERS WHO TARGET YOUR Social Security Benefits Scammers are always finding new ways to steal your money and personal information by exploiting your fears. The most effective way to defeat scammers is to know how to identify scams and to ignore suspicious calls and emails. One common tactic scammers use is posing as federal agents or other law enforcement. They may claim your Social Security number is linked to a crime. They may even threaten to arrest you if you do not comply w...
When you retire, if you become disabled, or if someone you depend on dies, we are there when you need us. You can access your information, benefits, and important services from just about anywhere with your personal and secure my Social Security account. With your my Social Security account, you can: • Compare future benefit estimates for different dates or ages when you may want to begin receiving benefits. • Check the status of your benefits application or appeal. • Review your earnings histo...
The Social Security Administration introduced the expansion of online services for residents of Alabama available through its my Social Security portal at www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount. Andrew Saul, Commissioner of Social Security, announced that residents of Alabama can use the portal for many replacement Social Security number (SSN) card requests. This will allow people to replace their SSN card from the comfort of their home or office. “We are here to serve the public and this option h...
We are excited to tell you about our redesigned retirement benefits portal at www.ssa.gov/benefits/retirement. Keeping you informed about our products and services, and helping you prepare for making decisions that will affect your benefits is very important to us. Preparing for retirement is one of the most important decisions you can make. Our website has helped millions of people get ready for and apply for retirement. But we heard your feedback that you also want to: * Find the information...
The future can be uncertain. However, Social Security’s new Advance Designation program can help put you in control of your benefits if a time comes when you need a representative payee to help manage your money. Advance Designation enables you to identify up to three people, in priority order, whom you would like to serve as your potential representative payee. The following people may choose an Advance Designation: * Adults applying for benefits who do not have a representative payee. * A...
