Social Security Supports Rural Communities

July 13, 2023 • By Nancy Berryhill, Senior Advisor, Office of Operations

Reading Time: 2 Minutes

Social Security touches the lives of nearly every American. Millions count on us — retirees who worked hard their whole lives, people no longer able to work due to disability, dependents, and survivors. As a member of the Rural Partners Network, we want to continue reaching out to rural communities. We make it easy for […]

Tags: Medicare, retirement, retirement benefits, SSI, supplemental security income, survivors benefits

Are You Age 70 or Older and Not Yet Getting Your Social Security Retirement Benefits?

July 6, 2023 • By Stephen McGraw, Acting Deputy Associate Commissioner, Office of Strategic and Digital Communications

Reading Time: 2 Minutes

Retirement is not one-size-fits-all. It can mean different things to different people. Perhaps you have not applied for Social Security retirement benefits because you’re still working or are delaying applying so you can get the higher benefit. If you’re age 70 or older, you should apply now for the benefits you’re owed. Your benefits will […]

Tags: full retirement age, retirement, retirement benefits, Social Security benefits

US Department of Agriculture (USDA) is Helping Rural Families Close the Digital Divide

June 29, 2023 • By Lisa Ramirez, Director of USDA’s Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement

Reading Time: 2 Minutes

The USDA’s Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement (OPPE) develops and maintains partnerships to address challenges facing rural and underserved communities. We connect those communities to USDA resources—including internet access. Navigating the 21st century is challenging without access to high-speed internet. OPPE wants to make sure everyone can fully participate in the wide range of […]

Social Security’s Commitment to the LGBTQI+ Community

June 22, 2023 • By Dawn Bystry, Associate Commissioner, Office of Strategic and Digital Communications

Reading Time: 2 Minutes

Every June, we commemorate Pride Month by honoring the LGBTQI+ community and celebrating diversity, love, and equality. Pride Month is also a perfect time to learn more about LGBTQI+ rights. On June 26, 2015, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Obergefell v. Hodges that same-sex couples have the constitutional right to marry. The Obergefell decision […]

Tags: General Information, social security, Social Security benefits

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day: Combating Injustice

June 15, 2023 • By Mark Majestic, Associate Commissioner, Office of Program Integrity

Reading Time: 2 Minutes

The COVID-19 pandemic may have led us to focus more on ourselves – and forget about checking in with others. World Elder Abuse Awareness Day reminds us about the importance of staying in touch with older persons. Elder abuse is the intentional mistreatment or harming of an older person. An older person is defined by […]

Tags: fraud, People Facing Barriers, scams, telephone scams

Minimizing the Risk of Scams for People Living with Dementia

June 13, 2023 • By Alzheimer’s Association Staff

Reading Time: 2 Minutes

Financial crime against older Americans is a growing problem. People living with dementia are at an especially high risk of becoming victims of fraud and financial abuse. That’s why we’re grateful for Social Security’s unwavering commitment to combatting fraud. As their memory and other thinking skills decline, people with dementia may struggle to make financial […]

Tags: fraud, scams, telephone scams

Medicare Fraud Prevention Week

June 9, 2023 • By Senior Medicare Patrol

Reading Time: 1 Minute

Did you know that Medicare fraud costs Americans an estimated $60 billion per year? It also affects Medicare beneficiaries in terms of time, stress, and health. Learn how to protect yourself and others against these scams. Join Social Security and the Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) for Medicare Fraud Prevention Week from June 5-11, 2023. You […]

Social Security Launches New Audio Series, SSA Talks, and News Hub

May 31, 2023 • By Stephen McGraw, Acting Deputy Associate Commissioner, Office of Strategic and Digital Communications

Reading Time: 1 Minute

To learn more about Social Security’s top priorities, check out our new audio series, SSA Talks! In our first episode, Acting Commissioner Kilolo Kijakazi and Janet Walker, Associate Commissioner for Operational HR Services, discuss how our current hiring initiative is central to improving customer service. The 17-minute episode includes a fact sheet and transcript. The […]

Social Security Administration Expands Outreach and Access for Supplemental Security Income

May 25, 2023 • By Jeff Nesbit, Deputy Commissioner for Communications

Reading Time: 2 Minutes

Kilolo Kijakazi, Acting Commissioner of Social Security, announced that the agency has expanded its outreach to people in critical need of financial help who may be eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI). SSI provides monthly payments to adults age 65 and older or to other adults – and children – with a disability or blindness […]

Tags: Commissioner, online services, SSI, supplemental security income

Mental Health First Aid Can Help Us All

May 18, 2023 • By Mental Health First Aid USA

Reading Time: 2 Minutes

The COVID-19 pandemic brought more than lockdowns, isolation, and severe illness – it also caused depression, anxiety, and other mental challenges in people of all ages. A study published in the International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry found 46% of adults age 65 and older felt their mental health was negatively affected by pandemic-related worries. Even […]

Tags: Disability, General Information, social security disability benefits