Social Security Honors the Nation’s Heroes on Memorial Day

Posted on May 28, 2018 by Jim Borland, Acting Deputy Commissioner for Communications

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 →

Rise and Fall in Cases Pending an Administrative Law Judge Hearing: New Actuarial Study

Posted on May 24, 2018 by Stephen C. Goss, Chief Actuary

The “great recession” that began at the end of 2007 contributed to a rise in initial applications for Social Security disability benefits that peaked in 2010. This surge in initial applications led to a similar rise in appeals for a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). Because the surge in appeals for a hearing exceeded the capacity to complete hearings quickly, the number of cases that had appealed but were still pending an ALJ determination rose. In fact, the number of disability applicants with an ALJ hearing pending rose up to the end of 2016. However, with the improving economy, declining appeals, hiring more judges, additional funding provided by the Congress to address the hearings backlog in fiscal years 2017 and 2018, and implementation of the Compassionate and Responsive Service (CARES) plan, the number of cases pending an ALJ hearing declined in 2017, and is continuing to decline today. Continue reading →

New Medicare Cards Are on the Way

Posted on May 17, 2018 by Seema Verma, Administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services

Did you know that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services is sending new cards with new Medicare numbers to everyone with Medicare? Instead of your Social Security Number (SSN), your new Medicare card will include a new number unique to you. This will help to protect you against identity theft and protect Medicare from fraud. Medicare will automatically mail your new card to the address you have on file with Social Security. As long as your address is up to date, there’s nothing you need to do! If you need to update your address, use your personal my Social Security account. Continue reading →

Catch Up on Your Facebook Live Events

Posted on May 4, 2018 by Jim Borland, Acting Deputy Commissioner for Communications

Social Security engages with the public in a number of ways. From blog posts like this to news articles, and printed publications to tweets, we try to speak to as many people, in as many ways, as we can. Our Facebook Live events give you concise information in an easy-to-follow conversation.

Here are the topics from recent Facebook Live events: Continue reading →

Retire Today with Our Online Services

Posted on April 23, 2018 by Jim Borland, Acting Deputy Commissioner for Communications

Is retirement knocking at your door? Social Security makes your journey into retirement nice and easy. Continue reading →

3 Things You Can Do to Prepare for Retirement Right Now

Posted on April 12, 2018 by Jim Borland, Acting Deputy Commissioner for Communications

Whether you just started seriously planning or are ready to retire, Social Security is the place to start. We’re with you throughout life’s journey, and that includes retirement planning!

The first thing you should remember is that Social Security replaces only a portion of your pre-retirement earnings. Most financial advisers say you will need about 70 percent of pre-retirement income to live comfortably in retirement, including your Social Security benefits, investments, and other savings. A solid retirement plan includes planning for more than Social Security. You can use Your Retirement Checklist to help you prepare.

When the time comes to take that giant step into retirement, Social Security’s online services can help guide you in this new journey. Use these services to help prepare yourself for a financially secure retirement: Continue reading →

How to Create a my Social Security Account

Posted on April 9, 2018 by Jim Borland, Acting Deputy Commissioner for Communications

A personal my Social Security account is one of the most important tools in your online services tool belt. A my Social Security account puts you in control of your Social Security record. Opening an account is quick, secure, and easy. Check out our infographic on how you can create your personal my Social Security account today! Continue reading →

National Social Security Month Shines a Light on Our Online Services

Posted on April 5, 2018 by Jim Borland, Acting Deputy Commissioner for Communications

In April, we celebrate National Social Security Month, and highlight our agency’s mission and purpose. We’re with you throughout life’s journey — from birth, to marriage, and into retirement — and we’re always searching for ways to give you easy and secure access to everything we offer.

We are constantly expanding our online services to give you freedom and control in how you wish to conduct business with us. Our online services help you plan for the future and keep you in control of your benefits. You can go online to: Continue reading →