By Hillary Hatch, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist         Losing a parent is one of the most difficult experiences a child can face. Along with the emotional challenges, families often must navigate new financial realities. Many Americans don’t realize that the Social Security Administration (SSA) can help support children who have lost a parent by providing monthly Survivor benefits. Who is eligible … Continue reading Social Security Survivor Benefits for Children

Via FRAC (Food Research & Action Center) Economic Impacts For struggling families and communities, SNAP is making a huge difference in their economic well-being and health. For example, SNAP is good for local economies – each dollar in federally funded SNAP benefits generates $1.79 in economic activity. Census Bureau data also show the crucial importance of federal nutrition programs and other supports for low-income families. … Continue reading The Positive Effect of SNAP Benefits on Participants and Communities

By Hillary Hatch, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist We hope your holidays are filled with joy and warmth. During this and every season, we want you to know that we are here to serve you. Did you know that our online services are available to help you do business with us in an easy, convenient, and secure way?   You can create a personal mySocial Security … Continue reading Happy Holidays from Social Security

By Hillary Hatch, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Questions and Answers Question: Who can get Extra Help with Medicare prescription drug coverage? Answer: Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage is available to anyone with Medicare. Joining a Medicare prescription drug plan is voluntary, and you pay an additional monthly premium for the coverage. People with higher incomes might pay higher premiums.  If you have limited resources and … Continue reading Social Security Q&A Part 53

By Hillary Hatch, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Effective November 30, 2024, there will be an increase to the fee cap representatives can charge for help when you do business with Social Security. The maximum dollar amount for fee agreements approved by Social Security will increase from $7,200 to $9,200.  If a fee agreement is not filed, a representative can submit a fee petition after completing work on … Continue reading Attorney Fee Cap Increase

By Hillary Hatch, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist SSA.gov is your best resource to learn about Social Security programs and benefits and conduct business with us.  Our website is designed to make it easy for you to find what you need. Here are our top 10 webpages: 1. my Social Security — You can open a personal my Social Security account to verify your earnings, view your Social Security Statement, get … Continue reading Social Security’s Top 10 Webpages for 2025

By Hillary Hatch, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist We’ve listened to your feedback concerning your preference to do business with us online. You want the option to submit forms, evidence, and other information electronically. You also want to sign documents electronically before submitting them. This year we released eSignature/Upload Documents as an option to submit documents. This new, online service option allows our employees to electronically request, and … Continue reading We’re Making it Easier to do Business with us Online

By Hillary Hatch, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Kathleen Romig, Senior Advisor in the Office of the Commissioner, joined the latest episode of SSA Talksto discuss the Social Security benefits available to children. These include: • Survivors benefits for children if their parent dies. For more information, please read our publication titled Survivor Benefits at www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10084.pdf. • Supplemental Security Income (or SSI) for children if they have a disability or blindness and their families have … Continue reading SSA Talks: Child Benefits

By Hillary Hatch, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on our blessings and to share memories with our loved ones. During this holiday season and throughout life’s journey, we are here to help provide you and your family with services, benefits, and information about our programs. Social Security is more than just a retirement program. We provide services that assist … Continue reading Happy Thanksgiving from Social Security

By Hillary Hatch, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Questions and Answers Question: I was wounded while on military service overseas. What are the benefits for wounded warriors, and how can I apply? Answer: Through the Wounded Warrior program, Social Security expedites processing of disability claims of current military service members or veterans who developed a disability while on active duty on or after October 1, … Continue reading Social Security Q&A Part 52