Who to Contact: Social Security or Medicare?

February 28, 2019 • By Darlynda Bogle, Assistant Deputy Commissioner

Reading Time: 1 Minute

Sometimes it’s confusing to know who to contact and for what. Social Security and Medicare offer related services, so people aren’t always certain who does what. This “cheat sheet” can help. Contact Social Security to: Did you find this Information helpful? Yes No Thanks for your feedback!

Get Your Social Security Benefit Statement (SSA-1099)

February 22, 2019 • By Jim Borland, Acting Deputy Commissioner for Communications

Reading Time: 1 Minute

Tax season is approaching, and Social Security has made replacing your annual Benefit Statement even easier. The Benefit Statement is also known as the SSA-1099 or the SSA-1042S. Now you can get a copy of your 1099 anytime and anywhere you want using our online services. A Social Security 1099 is a tax form Social […]

Social Security Benefits: a Lifetime of Protections for Your Loved Ones

February 14, 2019 • By Darlynda Bogle, Assistant Deputy Commissioner

Reading Time: 1 Minute

At Social Security, we know how much your loved ones mean to you—that’s why our promise of lifetime protections extends to them. When you work and pay Social Security taxes, some of your immediate family may also qualify to receive benefits on your record. We pay benefits to: Did you find this Information helpful? Yes […]

Tags: Social Security benefits

Social Security and Black History Month

February 7, 2019 • By Jim Borland, Acting Deputy Commissioner for Communications

Reading Time: 1 Minute

In February, our nation honors African Americans by celebrating Black History Month. Recognizing our shared history is one way we can affirm our belief in freedom and democracy for all. For more than 80 years, Social Security has helped secure today and tomorrow with financial benefits, information, and tools for people of countless backgrounds and […]

National Data Privacy Day

January 28, 2019 • By Jim Borland, Acting Deputy Commissioner for Communications

Reading Time: 1 Minute

Far too often, the news alerts consumers about potential data breaches and concerns over the privacy of their personal data. In 2018, several major breaches affected millions. Questions and concerns about data and privacy are on the rise. To highlight the importance of data privacy, Congress decreed January 28 as National Data Privacy Day. This […]

Understanding Spouse’s Benefits

January 24, 2019 • By Jim Borland, Acting Deputy Commissioner for Communications

Reading Time: 1 Minute

Marriage is a cultural institution that exists all over the world. Having a partner means sharing many things including a home and other property. Understanding how your future retirement might affect your spouse is important. When you’re planning for your fun and vibrant golden years, here are a few things to remember: Did you find […]

Tags: retirement, Social Security benefits

Beware of Scammers Pretending to be Social Security

January 17, 2019 • By Jim Borland, Acting Deputy Commissioner for Communications

Reading Time: 1 Minute

In the digital age, frauds and scams are an unfortunate part of doing business online. During the holiday season, Social Security has traditionally seen a spike in phishing scams, and we want to protect you as best we can. Did you find this Information helpful? Yes No Thanks for your feedback!

Retire Online with Social Security, Quickly and Easily

January 10, 2019 • By Jim Borland, Acting Deputy Commissioner for Communications

Reading Time: 1 Minute

The idea of applying for Social Security retirement benefits might seem daunting, but it’s not. There’s no need to visit an office. You don’t have to use the phone. We have an online retirement application that you can complete in as little as 15 minutes and from the comfort of your home or office. In […]

Tags: my Social Security, my Social Security account, online services, retirement

Social Security Benefits Increase in 2019

January 3, 2019 • By Jim Borland, Acting Deputy Commissioner for Communications

Reading Time: 1 Minute

Each year we announce the annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA). Usually, there is an increase in the Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefit amount people receive each month, starting the following January. Law requires that federal benefit rates increase when the cost of living rises, as measured by the Department of Labor’s Consumer Price […]

Tags: Cost of living adjustment

Monitoring Your Earnings Can Really Pay Off

December 27, 2018 • By Jim Borland, Acting Deputy Commissioner for Communications

Reading Time: 1 Minute

You work hard for your money. You’re saving and planning for a secure retirement. Now you need to make sure you’re going to get all the money you deserve. Regularly reviewing your Social Security earnings record can really pay off, especially when every dollar counts in retirement. If an employer did not properly report just […]