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. By law, federal benefits increase when the cost of living rises, as measured by the Department of Labor’s Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W). Continue reading
Social Security is committed to protecting and securing the information entrusted to us. We’re constantly looking for ways for you to save time by conducting your business anytime, anywhere, using our online services.
Our online benefits application provides a high level of security and protection for the information you provide. Filing online gives you the freedom and convenience to file for various types of benefits including Retirement, Disability, Supplemental Security Income, and Medicare.
Follow these simple steps to begin: Continue reading
From September 15 to October 15, we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. This is when we honor the contributions of Hispanics to American society and celebrate this warm and vibrant culture. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Hispanics make up about 17.8 percent of our nation’s total population.
As with all ethnicities in America, Hispanics can benefit from learning about Social Security’s benefit programs. We want to share with all Hispanics, particularly those of you who are younger, information about how Social Security helps support you now, what we mean for your future, and our commitment to be there with you throughout your life’s journey. By knowing about our benefits and basic services, you can see how we can help you secure today and tomorrow.
Here are ten ways to get you started: Continue reading
Social Security is here for young people when a parent passes away. We know that the loss of a parent isn’t just emotionally painful; it can be devastating to a family’s finances. In the same way that Social Security helps to lift up the disabled and elderly when they need it, we support families when an income-earning parent dies.
In 2017, we distributed an average of $2.6 billion each month to benefit about 4.2 million children because one or both of their parents are disabled, retired, or deceased. Those dollars help to provide the necessities of life and help make it possible for those children to complete high school.
You might ask, who can get child’s benefits? Your unmarried child can get benefits if they’re: Continue reading
September 6 is National Fight Procrastination Day. With our busy lives, it is easy to fall into that cycle of constantly postponing some tasks because of other things we need to address right now. This may be true for you when it comes to changing your payment method for Social Security benefits. Unfortunately, procrastinating on reporting changes can lead to delayed payments, resulting in undue hardship with bills and living expenses. Ultimately, it’s less hassle — and less stressful — if you report a direct deposit change as soon as it occurs. Continue reading
Quickly and accurately processing disability claims is important to us. It is through this commitment to you that we use the Compassionate Allowances program to help us identify and fast-track cases where people have diseases that are most likely to be approved for disability benefits. Continue reading
While it may be best known for retirement, Social Security is also here to help you get back to work if you are disabled. For millions of people, work isn’t just a source of income, it’s a vital part of who they are — it gives them purpose and pride — it’s a connection to community. If you’re getting Social Security disability benefits, we have good news for you. Social Security’s work incentives and Ticket to Work programs can help you if you’re interested in working. Special rules make it possible for people receiving Social Security disability benefits or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) to work and still receive monthly payments.
The Ticket to Work program may help you if you’d like to work. You can receive: Continue reading
Most people know at least something about Social Security. For decades, Social Security has been providing valuable information and tools to help you build financial security. Here’s your opportunity to find out a little more, with some lesser-known facts about Social Security.
On July 4, people in communities everywhere celebrate our nation’s independence with neighbors, family, and friends. A strong community promotes independence by helping each other lead full and productive lives.
Social Security has been helping people maintain a higher quality of life and a level of independence for over 80 years. Over those decades, we’ve made it even easier for you to access the programs and benefits you might need. Now, applying online is the fastest way to get those crucial benefits.
Here are some the types of benefits you can apply for: Continue reading
On Memorial Day, we honor service members who have given their lives for our nation. Social Security acknowledges the heroism and courage of our military service members, and we remember those who have given their lives to protect our country. Part of how we honor these heroes is the way we provide Social Security benefits.
The loss of a family member is difficult for anyone. Social Security helps by providing benefits to protect service members’ dependents. Widows, widowers, and their dependent children may be eligible for Social Security survivors benefits. You can learn more about Social Security survivors benefits on our website. Continue reading
