Disability, General, Retirement, Survivors

Knowledge is Power, and so are our Publications!

May 28, 2015 • By

Reading Time: 2 Minutes

Last Updated: August 19, 2021

An older man and his two granddaughters use the computer in a library

You can’t open a book without learning something new, just like you can’t read one of our publications without learning new information about our programs. We encourage you to explore the pleasure of reading by visiting our online library of publications. You’ll find answers to all the questions you have about Social Security, but may have been afraid to ask.

In our virtual library, you can learn more about Social Security, our programs, and what our programs mean to you and your family. Browse through our collection of publications. Search our online catalog by typing a title or topic in the library’s search box, and sort your results by a publication’s date, number, or title. Many of our publications are available in up to 17 different languages. Our publications are easier to read than the classic novel that’s been sitting on your nightstand; we write in plain language to make the information easier to understand.

If you don’t have time for reading, but you’re still curious, don’t worry! Another option is listening to the audio recordings of our publications.

The fastest and most convenient way to get one of our publications is online. However, if you prefer a good, old-fashioned printed copy, you can call us at 410-965-2039, and we will mail it to you.

Social Security has been serving the American public since 1935 — the same year that paperback pioneer Penguin Books released its first title. But, now, the publications we provide

are available in more than just paper form. Whether you prefer to learn from a print, electronic, audio, or alternative format, Social Security has all the answers you need.

When you’re going through a life-changing event and it’s time to study up on our services, reading about our benefit programs will help make your next chapter one for the books!

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About the Author

Phil Gambino, Assistant Deputy Commissioner, Communications

Assistant Deputy Commissioner for Communications

Comments

  1. Joseph A.

    I,am going to retire from the Fed Govt in Sept, 2015. I now have Fed BC/BS has my primary health coverage and medicare as my secondary. When I retire will this coverage change.

    • ..

      Joseph, to find out how the two benefits would be coordinated will depend on the terms of your specific plan. Please visit the Medicare and Retiree Insurance web page for further information.

  2. jeanette

    why I can’t metal health pay through medical cal

  3. Don P.

    I’m just not sure when to begin collecting SS benefits. I’ll be 62 and I am still working full time, and plan to till 70. My health is ok

    • bettyg

      don p,

      my husband retired early taking a 25% reduction, but he enjoyed 17 yrs. of retirement before his passing 11.13.15, which i’m so glad he did!

      bettyg, iowa widow

      • John C.

        Ms. Betty,

        I am sorry about the loss of your husband. I know it’s had to been a tough time for you. I lost my Dad 2 years ago and the pain is just a sharp today as it was the day after he passed away. Like my Dad, I’m certain your husband would want you to carry on and get the most out of every day you have left. He’ll always be with you; so, in a sense, you’re taking him with you, everywhere you go and he’s probably smiling when you have a good time an enjoy life.

        I have two kids and try to squeeze every second, of every day, I can with them, before that dreaded day arrives and they leave the nest. I hope that when I am gone, they squeeze life as if it’s the last orange on the planet – squeezing every drop out.
        I’ll remember you in my thoughts and if you need a shoulder to lean on, you can write me a note and I will help you any way I can. My email is jrcurtis45@yahoo.com.

        BTW, my roommate, from my Army Days, lives in Corydon, Iowa. I met him in Branson, MO, 3 years ago and we spent a week reliving the old days. He’s a good guy.

        Take care Ms. Betty!

        John C.
        Florida

    • ..

      Don, there are a lot of factors that go into deciding when to retire. Check out our web page, Plan for Your Retirement, to estimate your retirement benefits and determine the best retirement age for you. You may also be interested in our publication, When to Start Receiving Retirement Benefits.

  4. bettyg

    brochures need to be EDITED and placed in ALPHABETICAL order; you can’t find anything the way you presently show them….thank you!

    bettyg, iowa

    • ..

      Thank you for your feedback. On our publication page, there is an option to the near the search bar that allows you to sort the publications by date, number, or title.

  5. Elizabeth F.

    Why did I loose my disability check when I became ellagebill for my social security ?

    • ..

      Elizabeth, when you reach your Full Retirement Age, we will automatically convert your disability benefits to retirement benefits, but the amount remains the same.

  6. Catherine T.

    Interested

  7. lee s.

    would like more imformation on disablityies. I have a hand with continued stiffeness, very hard to use.

    • ..

      Lee, disability benefits are paid to people who are unable to work because of a medical condition that is expected to last one year or more or end in death. Social Security pays only for total disability; no benefits are payable for partial disability or short-term disability. We pay disability benefits through two programs: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). The Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program is a needs-based program that pays benefits to disabled adults and children who have limited income and resources. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits are based on earnings and are not subject to income and resource limits. To learn more about our disability programs, and to apply online for disability benefits if you think you qualify, go to our Disability Benefits web page.

      • MdiGi3

        Is there another link for the Disability page, as I am receiving “page cannot be displayed”? Thank you.

  8. Lourdes F.

    I work at a Legal Aid program and represent claimant’s at social security disability hearings. Do you still publish the “blue book – Disability Evaluation Under Social Security?”

    • ..

      Hi Lourdes – Thank you for your question. You can find the most recent edition on our web site.

  9. Fayola A.

    I just wish someone had told me that I could have used my ex-husband’s benefits and let mine accoumulate, then switch to my own later. I read about that strategy 10 years too late.

    I was only told that I could switch to my ex’s benefits if he died.

    • pjjdrum@gmail.com

      how can I get a complete benefits booklet on social security? Do you know? I have looked around web site and not found where you can request one mailed to your home.

      • R.F.

        The Social Security Handbook includes the provisions of the Social Security Act, regulations issued under the Act, and precedential case decisions (rulings). It is one of numerous publications about the Social Security programs. We hope this helps!

  10. Paul D.

    Great item & generational pic.

Comments are closed.