General, Online Services, Retirement, Survivors

Social Security Celebrates Black History Month

February 6, 2017 • By

Reading Time: 2 Minutes

Last Updated: August 19, 2021

little girl hugging womanThroughout the month of February, we honor African Americans by celebrating Black History Month. Created in 1926, this event coincides with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln on February 12 and Frederick Douglass on February 14. African American communities have celebrated these birthdays together for over a century.

Our great nation is rich in diversity. Honoring our shared history and reflecting on the past is one way we can honor America’s legacy of freedom. Another shared belief is that we all deserve a comfortable retirement, free of economic hardship. Our website, people like me, honors the many faces that compose the American melting-pot. It reiterates Social Security’s commitment to our diverse American population and is part of our pledge: securing today and tomorrow.

Social Security has the tools to help you plan for your retirement and to apply for benefits online. We also provide disability benefits to individuals with medical conditions that prevent them from working. If the disabled individual has dependent family members, they can also receive payments.

If you or anyone you know is disabled, they may qualify for disability benefits. Studies show that a 20-year-old worker has a 1-in-4 chance of becoming disabled before reaching full retirement age. You can see if you meet our strict definition of disabled and apply for disability benefits.

Widows, widowers, and their dependent children may be eligible for Social Security survivors benefits. Social Security helps by providing income for the families of workers who die. In fact, 98 of every 100 children could get benefits if a working parent dies. And Social Security pays more benefits to children than any other federal program. You can learn more by visiting Social Security survivors benefits.

Honoring each other begins with fair and equal treatment. Social Security guarantees that, if you pay into the system, you will have the same benefits as everyone else according to your earnings record. This Black History Month, we want to make sure our diverse nation is covered and that no one is left out of the benefits they deserve. We are with you through life’s journey. Get to know your Social Security. Visit people like me and learn more about how Social Security benefits African Americans and other diverse groups.

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About the Author

Jim Borland, Acting Deputy Commissioner for Communications

Jim Borland, Acting Deputy Commissioner for Communications

Comments

  1. Maryalice H.

    I lost form SSA1099 and need a copy for taxes.

    • Vonda V.

      Hi Maryalice, thanks for using our blog. Check out our Frequently Asked Questions web page on how to obtain a replacement 1099. You also may be able to request a replacement SSA-1099 by using our automated telephone service at 1-800-772-1213. You can conduct the automated services 24 hours a day. At the prompt, indicate that you’re requesting a replacement SSA-1099. We hope this helps.

  2. Edward A.

    I need a copy of my 1099 SSA for the year 2017

    • Vonda V.

      Hi Edward, thank you for using our blog. To obtain an SSA-1099 for years prior to the last year, you can call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) between 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. to speak to one of our representatives for assistance or you can contact your local Social Security office.

  3. allen s.

    how do i get a copy of my SSA1099-sm

  4. BROOKS H.

    please give me instructions on printing a “Benefit Statement” for my deceased father (died June, 2018) for his final income tax return.
    thank you, Brooks Holland

    • Vonda V.

      We’re sorry to hear about your loss, Brooks. The benefit statement is mailed to the last address in our records and is intended for the spouse or executor of the deceased. If you do not have access to the mail at that address, the executor will need to go into the local field office with proof of death and proof of executorship. An SSA-1099 can also be given to someone receiving benefits on the deceased beneficiary’s record such as a spouse, parent, or child of the deceased. If you need more information, call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and ask a representative for assistance.

  5. Sherri A.

    either lost or did not receive 2018 ssa-1099 how do I get one?

    • Ann C.

      Hello, Sherri. The SSA-1099 is mailed by January 31 each year. If for any reason you do not receive your SSA-1099 in the mail by then, starting on February 1, 2019, you can request a replacement SSA-1099/1042S for Tax Year 2018 using your personal my Social Security account. Thanks!

  6. Sal M.

    I need my 1099 statement for 2017 for myself and for my wife, statements are missing

    • Ray F.

      Hello Sal. Please visit our Frequently Asked Questions web page on how you and your wife can get a replacement form SSA-1099. Thanks!

  7. Betsey H.

    I am unable to get into my account. It is absolutely me, Betsey Heald, and I do want to find some way to get into my account for the needed tax information.
    Thank you for your help.

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