By Hillary Hatch, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist         For 91 years, the Social Security Administration (SSA) has been a cornerstone in every American’s retirement plan and provided support for survivors, families, people with disabilities, and our nation’s most vulnerable. SSA sends out approximately 75 million payments each month, totaling $1.6 trillion throughout the year. In addition to paying benefits, the agency … Continue reading Celebrating 91 Years of Social Security

By Hillary Hatch, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist         Millions of Americans rely on Supplemental Security Income (SSI) to help meet their basic needs. Last year, we created the SSI Improvement Team to make the SSI program more efficient. The team’s goal is to speed up SSI processing, reduce payment errors, use more automation, and help recipients better understand and comply with … Continue reading We are making the Supplemental Security Income program more efficient

By Hillary Hatch, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist         Losing a spouse is difficult emotionally and financially. Social Security can help during this time. When your spouse passes away, you may be able to get benefits as a surviving spouse – even if you’re divorced. You may be eligible for survivor benefits if: You are age 60 or older (or 50+ if … Continue reading Social Security Survivor Benefits: Protection From Your Family

By Hillary Hatch, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist         Social Security is a vital part of your financial plan, and we offer a variety of resources and tools to help you make informed decisions about your retirement and overall financial wellness. Knowledge is power and preparation starts with information Learning about your benefits, how we calculate them, and the right time to … Continue reading Plan your financial future with Social Security

By Hillary Hatch, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist         For young people transitioning out of foster care, the move into adulthood can come with both opportunities and challenges. Access to reliable information, financial resources, and trusted support systems can make an important difference during this transition. At Social Security, we’re committed to helping young people understand the benefits and services available to … Continue reading Foster Care: Supporting Youth As They Transition Into Adulthood

By Hillary Hatch, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist         Your personal my Social Security account at http://www.ssa.gov/myaccount is your secure access point to Social Security services. Whether you’re planning for retirement or updating your information, your personal account is designed to make your experience smooth and convenient. What’s New? We’ve updated the online portal with a new design and enhanced functionality to better align with … Continue reading Explore the latest enhancements to your online My Social Security account Portal

By Hillary Hatch, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist         Social Security’s website at ssa.gov offers the most reliable and up-to-date information about our programs and services. You can find helpful resources and tools designed to make it easy for you to do business with us. Find Answers Quickly and Easily Our Frequently Asked Questions page at http://www.ssa.gov/faqs/en/ features the most-asked questions at the top, so you … Continue reading Go Digital! Visit Social Security online at SSA.gov

By Hillary Hatch, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist         Are you looking for a secure, convenient way to plan for your retirement or manage your Social Security information? Go Digital! Create your personal my Social Security account at http://www.ssa.gov/myaccount! With your personal account, you can easily check your earnings record, estimate your future benefits, and access a wide range of self-service options online, at any … Continue reading Create your personal “My Social Security” account today

By Hillary Hatch, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist         If you need an original Social Security number (SSN) or a replacement card, you can now complete your request online, and if needed, schedule an appointment for faster service. How It Works When you visit our Social Security number and card page at http://www.ssa.gov/number-card, we’ll ask you a few questions to determine the best way … Continue reading A faster and more convenient way to request a social security number card

By Hillary Hatch, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist         Social Security scams are widespread across the United States. Scammers use sophisticated tactics to deceive you into providing sensitive information or money. They target everyone – especially the elderly – and their tactics continue to evolve. Here are five easy-to-use resources to prevent Social Security fraud: Create your personal my Social Security account … Continue reading Five Social Security Resources That Can Protect Elders From Scams