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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

You Don’t Need A Magic 8 Ball To Find The Answers To Your Questions

February 16, 2016 • By Doug Walker, Deputy Commissioner, Communications

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Sometimes, finding answers to your questions on government websites can feel a lot like asking questions of a Magic 8 Ball™. That’s not the case with Social Security’s frequently asked questions. In 2015, Social Security won the “ClearMark Award of Distinction” for best plain language websites and documents from the Center for Plain Language for […]

Compassionate Allowances Speed Help to People with Severe Disabilities

February 11, 2016 • By Jim Borland, Assistant Deputy Commissioner, Communications

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Disability can happen to anyone. If you suffer from a serious medical condition that prevents you from working, time is of the essence when it comes to applying for Social Security disability benefits. Although Social Security is committed to processing disability claims as quickly as possible in all cases, our initial claims process typically takes […]

Tags: SSI