Social Security: The Foundation of Economic Security

March 21, 2016 • By Virginia P. Reno, Deputy Commissioner, Retirement and Disability Policy

Reading Time: 1 Minute

When President Franklin D. Roosevelt established Social Security in 1935, he saw the program as a fundamental way to advance economic fairness and social justice. Social Security has grown and improved to fulfill FDR’s vision, and we have just completed a year celebrating the 80th anniversary of this important program. Today, Social Security’s insurance protection […]

Tax Season — It’s About What You Know

March 17, 2016 • By Jim Borland, Assistant Deputy Commissioner, Communications

Reading Time: 1 Minute

Did you know that your Social Security benefits may be taxable? This includes your monthly retirement, survivor, and disability benefits. About one-third of people receiving Social Security benefits must pay taxes on some of these benefits, depending on the amount of their taxable income. This may happen if you have other significant income in addition […]

What You Need to Know About the New Laws for Claiming Retirement Benefits

March 14, 2016 • By Virginia P. Reno, Deputy Commissioner, Retirement and Disability Policy

Reading Time: 1 Minute

Have you heard that some of Social Security’s rules about claiming benefits are changing? Well, it’s true. The Bipartisan Budget Act that passed last November closed two complex loopholes that were used primarily by married couples. We want you to know why this happened, how it might affect you, and what you should do next. […]

It’s National Consumer Protection Week

March 10, 2016 • By Doug Walker, Deputy Commissioner, Communications

Reading Time: 1 Minute

Looking to protect yourself from fraud, identity theft, and scams? Maybe you’re wondering about the best way to use credit, how to shop for a used car, or maximize your security online. Part of our commitment to bringing you superior service includes always looking for ways to help protect your identity and information. And not […]

Social Security and the VA, Working Together for Our Heroes

March 7, 2016 • By Jim Borland, Assistant Deputy Commissioner, Communications

Reading Time: 1 Minute

Social Security honors those who have served in the U.S. military. We recognize the sacrifices these Americans made while serving our country. Often, their dedication comes at the expense of significant and lasting effects on themselves and their families. Social Security provides expedited processing of disability benefit applications for wounded warriors and veterans with a […]

Tags: Disability, veterans

Ticket to Work Works

March 3, 2016 • By Doug Walker, Deputy Commissioner, Communications

Reading Time: 1 Minute

If you’re currently receiving Social Security disability benefits and you think you are ready to work, our Ticket to Work program can help. Ticket to Work is our free and voluntary program that helps you get vocational rehabilitation, training, job referrals, and other employment support services. This program is for individuals ages 18 to 64, […]

Tags: Disability

Prepare for Your Future with my Social Security and myRA

February 29, 2016 • By Richard Ludlow, Dept. of Treasury, Executive Director, myRA Program

Reading Time: 1 Minute

Your future belongs to you. Although retirement may seem far off, life moves quickly, and it’s important to take the right steps now to ensure your financial wellbeing down the road. To help more Americans prepare for long-term financial security, Social Security and the Department of the Treasury are joining forces to launch Envision a […]

Set a Goal, Make a Plan and Save

February 25, 2016 • By Jim Borland, Assistant Deputy Commissioner, Communications

Reading Time: 1 Minute

I have a question for you. Did you know it’s America Saves Week? Here’s another one, are you saving for your retirement? One more, if you will, when was the last time you looked at your savings account? America Saves Week is an annual opportunity to reassess your answers to these questions and ask yourself […]

DoD Medical Data Available Almost Instantaneously

February 22, 2016 • By Kitt Winter, Director, Health IT Program Office

Reading Time: 1 Minute

Social Security is always finding new ways to provide world-class service. Social Security started receiving Service member, Veteran, and eligible family members medical records electronically from the Department of Defense (DoD) using health information technology (health IT) leveraging the eHealth Exchange. This latest improvement speeds processing times of disability applications. The disability case processing sites […]

Help us Create Open Government Plan 4.0

February 18, 2016 • By Ruby Burrell, Chief Strategic Officer, Social Security Administration

Reading Time: 1 Minute

Social Security is always looking for ways to enhance your access to our information.  We are preparing to publish our fourth Open Government Plan in June. Your input regarding ways to improve our programs and services is invaluable. Our last plan, published in 2014, reflected our commitments to transparency and outlined our efforts. In our […]

Tags: online services, social security, Social Security benefits, SSA