By Hillary Hatch, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist We celebrate Financial Literacy Month (FLM) every April to promote financial education and well-being in the United States. FLM also serves as a reminder that Social Security is a vital part of any financial plan. Our online tools are here to help you understand your potential Social Security benefits and how they fit into your financial future.  You should periodically review your Social … Continue reading PLAN FOR YOUR FUTIRE DURING FINANCIAL LITERACY MONTH

By Hillary Hatch, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Did you join us for Slam the Scam Day in March?  If so, you know how important it is to raise awareness about government imposter scams.  That’s why we want you to have all the information you need to protect yourself.  Check out our top 5 scam awareness articles below:  1. We work with our Office of the Inspector General (OIG) to … Continue reading SOCIAL SECURITY TOP 5 SCAM AWARENESS ARTICLES

By Hillary Hatch, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Want to learn how to spot fake Social Security social media accounts?  The tips below will help you protect yourself and your family.     How fraudsters create imposter accounts Fraudsters create imposter social media pages and accounts using Social Security-related images and vocabulary, making them appear as if they’re associated with or endorsed by us.  They also create imposter social media … Continue reading HOW TO SPOT AN IMPOSTER SOCIAL MEDIA ACCOUNT

By Hillary Hatch, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist America Saves Week, which runs from April 8 to 12 this year, is an excellent opportunity for organizations to promote good financial habits and for people to assess their own saving status. This year’s theme is “Saving for What Matters Most.”  Planning and saving are key to a successful retirement.  The earlier you start saving for retirement, … Continue reading MAKING THE MOST OF AMERICA SAVES WEEK 2024

By Hillary Hatch, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Questions and Answers Question: How can I protect myself against identity theft? Answer: First, don’t carry your Social Security card with you. Keep it secure at home with your other important papers. Second, don’t readily give out your Social Security number. While many banks, schools, doctors, landlords, and others will request your number, it is your decision … Continue reading Social Security Q&A Part 46

By Hillary Hatch, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Social Security works with the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) to protect you from scams that use Social Security as bait.  Section 1140 of the Social Security Act allows OIG to impose severe penalties against anyone who engages in misleading Social Security-related advertising or imposter communications.  For example, the OIG may impose a penalty against anyone … Continue reading HOW WE PROTECT YOU FROM MISLEADING ADVERTISING AND COMMUNICATIONS

By Hillary Hatch, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Are you eligible for Social Security retirement benefits or already receiving them?  Did you know that you can also receive healthy meals and other nutrition services through the National Senior Nutrition Program?  Local meal programs in communities across the country are waiting to serve you. As we age, we have different needs, different ways we take care of … Continue reading STAY HEALTHY AND INDEPENDENT WITH THE SENIOR NUTRITION PROGRAM

By Hillary Hatch, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist March is Women’s History Month — a time to focus not just on the past, but also on the challenges women continue to face in the 21st century.  At Social Security, we provide vital benefits and financial protection for women. Nearly 55% of people receiving Social Security benefits are women.  Today, more women work, pay Social Security … Continue reading SOCIAL SECURITY CELEBRATES WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH

By Hillary Hatch, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Do you know how to spot a government imposter scam?  We continue to raise public awareness about Social Security-related and other government imposter scams during the fifth annual “Slam the Scam” Day on March 7, 2024.  Knowing how to identify potential scammers will help safeguard your personal information. There are common elements to many scams.  Scammers often … Continue reading SLAM THE SCAM: HOW TO SPOT GOVERNMENT IMPOSTERS

By Hillary Hatch, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Questions and Answers Question: I usually get my benefit payment on the third of the month. But what if the third falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or holiday? Will my payment be late? Answer: Just the opposite. Your payment should arrive early. For example, if you usually get your payment on the third of a month, but … Continue reading Social Security Q&A Part 45