Shining a Light on your Lifetime Protection

Portrait Indian family at home. Grandparent and grandchild close up face. Asian people living lifestyle. Grandfather and granddaughter.

The Hindu month of Chaitra, April 7 to May 7, is the first month of the Indian calendar with a change in the moon’s orbit.  The month starts with Ugadi/Yugadi, which marks the first day of the new calendar. Yuga means “age” and ādi means “beginning” — the beginning of a new age.

During this month, Hindus celebrate with festivals that bring to life an aspect of the universal truth to empower communities. The rituals of the festivals strengthen bonds between and within families and communities. It is a time to serve those in need and reflect on our blessings. Continue reading

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Social Security — National Reentry Week (April 24th-30th)

A family hugging after a prisoner's releaseThe Department of Justice has designated April 24th-April 30th as National Reentry Week. As a participant agency in the Federal Interagency Reentry Council, Social Security continues to work with other federal agencies to increase transparency about government programs and services.    

Our dedicated reentry web page, https://www.ssa.gov/reentry/, includes SSA-related information about accessing Social Security benefits and resources and links to other federal agencies.  Family members and advocates can readily access information for their relatives or clients about filing for or reinstating benefits, obtaining replacement Social Security cards, veterans’ services and healthcare.

Improving Service to Citizens Returning to the Community after Incarceration Continue reading

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Disability Application Scammers

Graphic of a computer screen with ones and zeros on the screen and the word identity.The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is alerting people about the dangers of identity theft, specifically in instances where people have started an application for disability benefits. Scammers try to get personal information from applicants by pretending to help complete applications. For example, these scammers may ask you to give, or confirm, your Social Security number or bank account numbers.

Don’t become an identity theft or phishing victim. You can read the FTC’s advice on how to protect yourself while applying for benefits here.

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It’s Easy to Get Extra Help with Your Prescription Costs

a photo of an open medicine bottle, with a prescription form underneathIn times like these, every dollar counts. Some people qualify for big savings on their Medicare prescription drug costs and don’t even realize it! In fact, if you receive Medicare, you may be eligible for the Extra Help, which could save you about $4,000 per year on your monthly premiums, annual deductibles, and prescription co-payments.

To qualify for Extra Help, you must Continue reading

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Working Together for the Common Good

Multiracial Group of Friends with Hands in Stack, Teamwork

Social Security emerged from the Great Depression to promote the economic security of our nation’s people. It provides security and peace of mind for America’s workers and their families. Social Security helps protect families against loss of income when the unexpected happens, such as a disability or the loss of a loved one.

On May 1 – 8, the Social Security Administration will celebrate a special week of action by joining forces with faith-based and community groups across the country to increase awareness about the agency’s programs and services. This year’s campaign theme is “Shining a Light on Your Lifetime Protections.” The goal is to increase knowledge about tools that could change lives for the better and set them on a sound financial course.

We invite you to participate in this effort.  You can learn about your Continue reading

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How We Review Your Disability Benefits

Picture of a man on crutchesWhen you receive disability benefits, Social Security will periodically conduct a review of your condition to make sure you still qualify for blind or disability benefits. With the right information, you can be prepared when this happens.

When your case comes up for review, we’ll send you a letter asking you to come to your local Social Security office. We’ll ask you about how your medical condition affects you and whether it’s improved. We’ll also ask you to bring information about your medical treatment and any work you have performed since Social Security decided you were disabled.

A disability examiner from your state’s Disability Determination Services will request reports from your medical providers, and will carefully review all the information in your case. If the medical evidence is not complete or current, we may ask you to have a medical exam at no cost to you.

Social Security conducts a disability review of your case Continue reading

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When Tragedy Occurs, Your Family Can Count on Us

Older woman comforting a young boyTragedy strikes without warning. For families who lose a wage earner, it can have a devastating financial impact in addition to the emotional one.

Acting Commissioner Carolyn Colvin says that Social Security touches the lives of every American, often in times of tragedy and uncertainty. It’s true. Our programs go beyond retirement and disability benefits. Social Security helps care for the surviving families of deceased entitled workers.

If you work, some of the Social Security taxes you pay now go toward survivors benefits for workers and their families. In the event of your death, certain family members — widows, widowers (including your divorced spouse), children and dependent parents — may be eligible for survivors benefits. Social Security’s survivors benefits may be more valuable than your individual life insurance.

Continue reading

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National Check Your Statement Day

Today is “Check Your Statement Day,” one of the days during National my Social Security Week and Financial Literacy Month when you can get serious about planning for your financial future. Social Security has been here for more than 80 years, securing your today and tomorrow with information, tools, and resources to meet your changing needs and lifestyles. And what’s easier for you than going online to access an important part of your financial planning routine? Continue reading

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National my Social Security Week: April 4-13, 2016

For more than 80 years, Social Security has helped secure today and tomorrow with information, tools, and resources to meet your changing needs and lifestyles.

Mature African American Couple Using Laptop At Breakfast

Today begins National my Social Security Week. With the help of a myriad of groups and organizations, Social Security will host numerous events and activities across the country to raise awareness about the benefits of opening a secure online my Social Security account.

With a my Social Security account, you can: Continue reading

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