Four Questions About Social Security That Can Help You Plan Your Retirement

By Vonda Van Til, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Social Security benefits are part of the retirement plan of almost every American worker.  If you’re among the many people covered under Social Security, you should know what your future benefit may be. These monthly payments may be a vital part of your retirement income. We base your benefit payment on how much you earned during … Continue reading Four Questions About Social Security That Can Help You Plan Your Retirement

Three Ways to Fight Scammers Who Target Your Social Security Benefits

By Vonda Van Til, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Scammers are always finding new ways to steal your money and personal information by exploiting your fears.  The most effective way to defeat scammers is to know how to identify scams and to ignore suspicious calls and emails.    One common tactic scammers use is posing as federal agents and other law enforcement.  They may claim … Continue reading Three Ways to Fight Scammers Who Target Your Social Security Benefits

Your Newborn and Their Social Security Number

By Vonda Van Til, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Getting your newborn a Social Security number is important for their future.  If your child is born in a hospital, the easiest way to apply for a Social Security number is right at the hospital.   When you give information for your child’s birth certificate at the hospital, you’ll be asked whether you want to apply … Continue reading Your Newborn and Their Social Security Number

Submit Your Disability Update Report Online

By Vonda Van Til, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist We are required to conduct continuing eligibility reviews for disabled beneficiaries every three years.  This process requires that beneficiaries complete a Continuing Disability Review mailer to update information about their medical conditions and recent treatments.  We now offer an online option to complete this update and provide any supporting documents about your medical treatment or your … Continue reading Submit Your Disability Update Report Online

Hearings with Social Security During COVID-19

By Vonda Van Til, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist In March 2020, we temporarily closed all of our Social Security Hearing Offices due to the Coronavirus pandemic and are not offering in-person hearings.  During the office closures, we are providing two flexible, safe, and secure hearing options:  either a telephone hearing or our new option of an online video hearing.    Additional information on both … Continue reading Hearings with Social Security During COVID-19

Five Ways ssa.gov Saves You Time

By Vonda Van Til, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Our online tools and services save you time and make your life easier.  Often, there’s no need to contact us.  Here are five of our webpages that can make your life easier: With your own personal my Social Security account, you can request a replacement Social Security card, verify your earnings, get future benefit estimates, obtain … Continue reading Five Ways ssa.gov Saves You Time

Social Security is Important for Women

By Vonda Van Til, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist In November, we show gratitude for the many things we are thankful for throughout the year. Family usually tops the list. The strong women in our lives are one of the central figures we appreciate. More women in the 21st century work, pay Social Security taxes, and earn credit toward monthly retirement income than at any other … Continue reading Social Security is Important for Women

Social Security Spouse’s Benefits Explained

By Vonda Van Til, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Understanding how your future retirement might affect your spouse is important.  Here are a few things to remember when you’re planning for your retirement. Your spouse’s benefit amount could be up to 50 percent of your full retirement age benefit amount. If you qualify for a benefit from your own work history and a spouse’s record, we … Continue reading Social Security Spouse’s Benefits Explained

How to Replace a Missing Social Security Card Online

By Vonda Van Til, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist If you need to replace your lost or misplaced Social Security card, our online application makes getting a replacement card easier than ever.   Requesting a card replacement online is available if you live in the District of Columbia or one of the 45 states that can verify state ID information for us. If you’re only requesting … Continue reading How to Replace a Missing Social Security Card Online

Veterans and Active Duty Military Members Can Count On Social Security

By Vonda Van Til, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Every year on Veterans Day, we honor the people who risk their lives to protect our country.  Our disability program is an important part of our obligation to wounded warriors and their families. Social Security is an important resource for military members who return home with injuries.  If you know a wounded veteran, please let them … Continue reading Veterans and Active Duty Military Members Can Count On Social Security